Publication:

Utilization patterns of drugs used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary hospital

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease where there is a limitation of airflow that comes in and out of the lungs due to some abnormalities of the lung`s airway. COPD affects 10% of the global population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The treatment aims to control the symptoms and achieve a good quality of life. The aim of this study is to identify the utilization patterns of different drugs used in the treatment of COPD in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH).

Methods This was a retrospective study that included 170 patients who received treatment for COPD. Patients’ data and drugs’ data were collected through accessing the TrackCare system at SQUH.

Results The results show that 139 (81.8%) of patients were prescribed with muscarinic receptor antagonists followed by 131 (77.1%) patients who were prescribed with beta 2 receptor agonists. Salbutamol and tiotropium were the most specific drugs prescribed for 103 (60.6%) and 102 (60.0%) patients respectively. 24.7% of the patients received only one drug. There is evidence of a significant association between muscarinic receptor antagonist usage and gender.

Conclusion This study shows the utilization patterns of drugs that were used in the treatment of COPD in a tertiary hospital.