Study on Drug Utilization Pattern of Anti-hypertensives at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Hypertension is a chronic illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. Once hypertension is diagnosed, starting antihypertensive therapy on a long-term basis along with regular follow up is important. The main objective of the study is to assess the utilization pattern of antihypertensive in a tertiary care hospital at Coimbatore. A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of ten months from November 2017 to August 2018 in general medicine department of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore. A total of 102 prescriptions were analysed. Through the current study, we could assess the drug utilization pattern of antihypertensive in general medicine department. The study report shows male population was higher compared to female. Diabetes mellitus was the predominal diagnosis in general medicine department. Calcium channel blocker followed by beta blockers were the most frequently utilized drugs in the study. Among calcium channel blocker and beta blockers, amlodipine and atenolol were highly utilized in general medicine department respectively. The study also identified various risk factor associated in hypertensive patients where smoking was the most affecting factor. The current study assessed the major drug interactions which were found to be highly significant. Identifying and monitoring drug interactions helps in forming a standard therapeutic plan. It has provided an insight into the prescription patterns of antihypertensive medications with respect to the level of BP control. It will help prescribers to pay more attention that affect outcome of BP. The trend of hypertension is on the rise, if treated rationally this disease can be overcome