Drug utilisation in renal patients being treated in Central Hospital Warri and Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health burden because the incidence, prevalence and the associated cost of therapy is on the increase. The objective of the study therefore was to determine the use of drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Renal Unit of the Warri Central Hospital and Nephrology Department of the Teaching Hospital Delta State University Oghara. A data collection form was used to collect data on drug use patterns. Patient information on socio-demographic characteristics, medication use patterns, as well as clinical and biochemical parameters were extracted from the patients’ case folders. A comprehensive study of case folders and follow up was also conducted. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors 179 (98.4%), diuretics 128 (70.3), and calcium channel blockers 49 (26.9%) were the most frequently prescribed classes of antihypertensive medications. Quinolones 58(31.9) and penicillins 22(12.1) were the most frequently prescribed classes of antibiotics. On the other hand, phosphate binders and proton pump inhibitors were prescribed in the proportion of 74 (40.7%) and 31 (17%) respectively. Metformin 11.5% and Gliclazide 2.7% were the most frequently prescribed oral antidiabetic agents. However, mixtard insulin was prescribed in the proportion of 12.6%. The most frequently prescribed medications were antihypertensive drugs, followed by antibiotics and haematinics, while the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive drugs were angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics. The most frequently prescribed antidiabetic medications were insulins and biguanides. Additionally, quinolones and penicillins were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics