Publication:

Prescription pattern of cardiovascular drugs in intensive cardiac care unit patients in a tertiary care hospital

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for high morbidity and mortality all over the world. A study of prescription pattern ensures rational pharmacotherapy and assures quality medical care to the patients. The aim was to observe the prescribing pattern of cardiovascular drugs among the patients admitted to intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU).

Methods Prior permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained, and a prospective study of cardiovascular drugs was conducted on 100 consecutive patients admitted in ICCU of the Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital, Gulbarga. The duration of the study will be of 12 months from June 2012 to May 2013. The prescriptions of the patient who are treated during the course of the study will be audited prospectively using a specially designed form to record the required information. The data were statistically analyzed and presented as counts and percentages.

Results Majority of the patients were male (59%), and most of the patients belonged to age group of 51-60 years. Most common drug class was antianginal drugs with aspirin and clopidogrel being the mostly used combination drug. Most of the drugs were prescribed rationally.

Conclusion The present study concluded that most of the drugs were prescribed rationally according to current guidelines. In addition to prescribing drugs, patients should be educated about the risk factors of CVD and how they can be prevented.