Background: Hypertension has emerged as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure affecting 20% adult population worldwide. In India, the prevalence is reported to be ranging from 10- 30.9% with an average of 25% in urban and 10% in rural inhabitants. There is considerable evidence that hypertension and dyslipidaemia are interrelated metabolically, epidemiologically and clinically.
Aims & Objective: To study drug utilization pattern in acne vulgaris in skin outpatients department.
Materials and Methods: A total of 238 prescription of patients of acne vulgaris were analyzed for 6 months in Dermatology OPD by Pharmacology department of SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun to study the drug utilization pattern, using WHO drug use indicator.
Results: A total of 238 prescriptions were analysed, male: female ratio was 1:1.07, mean age was 21.67 ± 0.51 years, majority of the patients were unmarried 153 (64.28%), students 192 (80.68%), non-vegetarian 121 (50.84%), belongs to middle socio-economic group 213 (89.49%). Total 1135 drugs were used, oral formulations 471 (41.50%), topical 664 (58.50%), 35 (3.08%) FDCs (fixed dose combination) were prescribed. 4.76 drugs per prescription were prescribed. Antibiotics 204(43.31%) were most commonly used oral drugs. 620 (93.37%) single topical preparations and 44 (6.63%) topical combination preparations of steroids, antibiotics and antifungals were prescribed. All drugs were prescribed in brand names.
Conclusion: The prescriptions revealed polypharmacy. This study can help to provide feedback to the prescribers, thereby increase in awareness and improve patient care by rational utilisation of drugs.
Key words: Acne Vulgaris; Dermatology; Drug Utilization; Fixed Dose Combination
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