Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, DAVANAGERE

Anju Jayan*, A S Gayathri Lakshmi*, Alby Sunny*, Anandhu R. S.*, Dr. Upendra N* and Pro. J. S. Venkatesh*

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Abstract

Background: Corticosteroids are renowned for their antiinflammatory, anti-proliferative and immuno-suppressive actions; However, their illegitimate use can manifest catastrophic effects. Objective: To carry out the DUE of corticosteroids in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A Prospective Observational study was carried out on 150 patients for six months in the medicine department of Chigateri District Hospital, Davanagere, Karnataka; subjects were enrolled based on inclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent; And the details were collected using a data collection form. Results: Among 150 subjects [93 and 57 females], (n=30,20%) were smokers. Most of the subjects belonged to the age group of 61-70 (n=60, 40%). A major percentage of prescription belonged to Pulmonology Department (n=102, 68%), followed by Neurology (n=10, 6.66%), Rheumatology (n=10, 6.66%), Hepatology (n=9, 6%), Nephrology (n=9, 6%), and Cardiology (n=2, 1.34%) and n=112, 59.89% of them were prescribed using their brand name. Short acting agent Hydrocortisone (n=69, 36.89%), was the commonly prescribed drug followed by Dexamethasone, Budesonide, Methylprednisolone and Prednisolone. Intravenous administration (n=134, 70.90%) was predominant than, inhalation (n=37, 19.58%) and oral (n=18, 9.52%). TDS 95 (57.93%) was the frequently observed frequency of administration followed by BD (n=34, 20.74%). 90 prescriptions were with interactions; which included moderate (n=273, 60.40%), minor (n=153, 33.84%) and major (n=26, 5.76%). Conclusion: A rational prescription pattern was observed in the case of most steroids, although some factors like drug administration time and tapering caused mild deviations; the involvement of a clinical pharmacist can effectively improve the safety and efficacy of the drug; by early detection and prevention of drug-related adverse events and thus, enhancing health-related outcomes.

Keywords: Corticosteroids, Drug utilization Evaluation, informed consent.