Publication:

Study on drug utilization pattern and cost analysis among the psychiatric patients treated with various benzodiazepine derivatives

Background The objective of the study was to assess drug utilization pattern and cost analysis among the psychiatric patients treated with various benzodiazepine derivatives.

Methods This observational study was conducted in department of psychiatric, RMMCH, Annamalai University. The study period was 6 months (November 2018 to April 2019). A total of 50 psychiatric patients were included.

Results A total 50 patients among them 64% (32) males and 36% (18) female, were included in the study. Most of the patient were between the age groups of 18-29 years (30%). The most common clinical condition treated with benzodiazepines were alcohol dependence syndrome/alcohol withdrawal syndrome/ alcohol related psychotic disorder (34%). The majority of patients were prescribed with clonazepam (66.67%). The defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed days of benzodiazepines were found to be 0.89. In this study the comparison of cost analysis for the drug used and it was found that lorazepam (122%) are most expensive followed by chlordiazepoxide (93.3%) and clonazepam (78.57%). The cheapest drug was nitrazepam (36.84%).

Conclusions The majority of the patient admitted in the psychiatric department were suffering from Alcohol depending syndrome/alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine was clonazepam followed by lorazepam and least prescribed diazepam and nitrazepam based on defined daily dose concept.