Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION PATTERN OF COPD PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL - A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr. V. Pratibha, Jimshad M. I. and *Shemimol S.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health concern of today. Due to high prevalence, morbidity and mortality of COPD, it is rapidly becoming a significant health issue creating serious challenges in future. Drug utilization evaluation mainly help to understand the drug use pattern, irrational use of drugs, intervention to improve drug use and continuous quality improvement and also it help to provide appropriateness and quality outcome of the therapy in COPD patients. Aim: To recognize the drug utilization pattern for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methodology: A total of 82 patients with COPD who received regular treatment were included in the study. They were recruited from the pulmonology department, Amala institute of medical science, Trissur. The study has obtained ethical clearance from the hospital ethical committee. Result: out of 82 patients 93% were male, 43% patients were smoking and majority of the patients were used combination therapy. most commonly prescribed methylxanthine was Theophylline (67.07%). Hydrocorticosteroids (65.85%) was commonly used corticosteroids. 63.4% of the population were received N-acetylcysteine as a mucolyte. Conclusion: In this study all the patients received combination therapy and majority of the patients used inhaled therapy and parentral corticosteroids.

Keywords: COPD, DUE, Theophylline, Hydrocorticosteroids.