PATTERNS OF PRESCRIPTION AND ADR MONITORING OF DRUGS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objective: Neuropathic pain arises from demage, or the pathological changes in the peripheral or central nervous sytem. The pain is difficult to treat as standard treatment with conventional analgesics doesn`t typically provide effective relief of pain. Methods: It was a one year study of utilization and analysis of prescriptions for PNDs (Painful neuropathic disorders). The parameters evaluated were demographic profile of the patient (age and gender), type and etiology of PNDs, drug data (name of the group of drugs with individual drugs, mono or polytherapy, number of drugs per prescription, formulation) and associated adverse drug reactions(ADR) with the prescribed drug. Results: Maximum number of patients of PNDs resides in the age group of 18 – 35 yrs (41.2%) & more common in females. The most common PND encountered was painful diabetic neuropathy (43.9%) followed by cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, post herpetic neuralgia. 2942 drugs were prescribed in 1020 prescriptions out of which, 96.8% were oral and 3.2% were topical formulations. Most frequently prescribed group of drug was tricyclic antidepressant (27.3%) followed by anticonvulsants (25.3%). Polypharmacy was seen 89.7% as compared to monotherapy (10.3%). Only 132 ADRs of various types were seen. The most common organ system affected was central nervous system followed by gastro intestinal systems. The most common drugs implicated for ADRs were TCAs (24.4%), anticonvulsants (16.6%), and Pregabeline (9.8%). There were no fatal adverse events. Mild to moderate ADRs included constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dryness of mouth. Conclusions: The choice of drug depends on etiology of neuropathic pain, drug efficacy and availability and also on ADR profile