Evaluation of eye prescriptions for appropriateness and rationality in indoor patients: an observational prospective study

Background: In the branch of ophthalmology, there have been many developments of new ocular therapeutic agents. Indiscriminate use of topical drugs can lead to various unwanted effects. In order to improve drugs therapeutic efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and delay development of resistance, drug utilization trends and patterns need to be evaluated periodically. The objective of the study was to evaluate drug utilization pattern, appropriateness of use and rationality in indoor patients attending ophthalmology department.Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted over a period of 15 months in the Ophthalmology Department of Tertiary care teaching Hospital after obtaining permission from IEC. Information of patients collected included age, sex, duration of stay, diagnosis, income per capita per month, information about drugs given- their dose, frequency, route and duration were recorded from the day of admission till discharge.Results: A total of 150 patients were enrolled in the study with M:F was 1.43:1. Mean hospitalization was 3.00±1.17 days. Most common disease were cataract (108, 72%) followed by pterygium (15, 10%). Mean of 16.35±4.25 medicines were prescribed. On most occasions (2274, 92.70%) the medicines were prescribed using brand names. Injection gentamicin 147 (98%) and flurbiprofen eye drops 145 (96.67%) were the most common drugs used. Majority (83.20%) of medicines were rational. Out of 125 medicines, 35 (28%) were FDC and 90 (72%) were single ingredient. All 100% medicine uses were appropriate with respect to dosage form, route of administration, dosage, frequency of administration and duration of therapy.Conclusions: Polypharmacy is common practice in eye department which increases inappropriateness and irrational use