Publication:

Study of drug prescription pattern among COPD patients admitted to medicine in-patient department of tertiary care hospital

Background Drug utilization studies can provide insights into a pattern, quality, determinants and outcomes of drug use. COPD is one of the leading causes of death among Indian population and there is a lack of drug utilization studies in this field.

Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted among the patients admitted in inpatient department of medicine ward of Tertiary care hospital. Data has collected from COPD patients admission records. Parameters like demographic profile, common associated diseases, WHO core drug indicators and commonly prescribed drugs were assessed from the prescriptions.

Results A total 284 inpatient records were scrutinized. Out of 284 patients, 66.19% were male and 33.80% were female. Average numbers of drugs per prescription were 7. Mean age was 66.9 years. Antimicrobials (88.7%) were most commonly prescribed drugs followed by inhaled bronchodilators (84.5%).

Conclusions Study data highlights that average numbers of drugs prescribed were higher than WHO norms, antibiotics were commonly used, and drugs prescribed with brand names were higher than the generic names.