Publication:

Prescribing pattern of drugs in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital, Assam

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis require multiple medications for comorbid conditions, prevention of complications, and improvement of quality of life. Assessing prescribing patterns helps in evaluating rationality of drug use and identifying areas for optimization. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the prescribing pattern of drugs in CKD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital in Assam.

Methods The study was a cross-sectional observational study carried out in the department of pharmacology and medicine. The prescriptions of CKD patients under maintenance haemodialysis were gathered and examined in terms of demographic profile, comorbidities, classes of drugs prescribed, and mean number of drugs per prescription. Data were analysed and prescribing indicators were assessed according to WHO core indicators.

Results The 120 prescriptions were examined. The average age of the patients was 55.6, and the majority of them were men. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Polypharmacy was observed with an average of 10.5 drugs per prescription. The most frequently prescribed classes of drugs were antihypertensives (calcium channel blockers, betablockers, diuretics), phosphate binders, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, diuretics, and nutritional supplements. The rate of generic prescribing was 78.16 and rate of essential drug list adherence was 76.26.

Conclusions Polypharmacy is common among CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Rational drug use and adherence to WHO and evidence-based guidelines is essential to improve disease outcomes and reduce treatment burden.