Abstract

AN EVALUATION OF DRUG USE PATTERNS IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENTS USING WHO PRESCRIBING INDICATORS

Sri Chandana M, Achutha Lakshmi.P* and Satish.K

Abstract

Many new potent, effective and expensive drugs have been introduced in the recent decade which has led to a steady increase and often misuse of drugs. Prescribing pattern of drugs reflects the clinical judgment of the clinicians. The present research project was designed to examine the drug use patterns among acute coronary syndrome patients with the aid of WHO prescribing indicators in a Tertiary care hospital. A prospective study carried out in 120 inpatients for a six month period. Data was analyzed from the inpatient Record. The average number of drugs per encounter was 4.4. Number of drugs prescribed by generic name was low(16.03%),injection prescribing was higher with 42.06%,antibiotic utilization is nearer to the limits(19.07) and higher number of drugs prescribed (75.92%) was from the National list of essential medicines(NLEM). The results indicate a considerable scope to improvise the concept of hospital formularies to achieve the rational drug use and the Drug use patterns. Successful interventions by a pharmacist to implement cardio protective medications to a cardiac disease patient's regimen would improve the patient's quality of care.

Keywords: Drug use pattern, WHO, EDL, Prescribing Indicators, Acute coronary syndrome, Rational Drug Use.