Publication:

Prescription pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain

Background Without the knowledge on how drugs are being prescribed and used, it is difficult to initiate a discussion on rational drug use and to suggest measures to change prescribing habits for the better information on the past performance of prescribers is linchpin of any auditing system. The objective of the study was to assess the NSAIDs prescription pattern in patients with MS pain.

Methods Prospective study of prescriptions of 306 patients with MS pain presenting in orthopedic outpatient department (OPD) of Owaisi Health and Research Centre during the period of January 2014 to August 2015. Patient particulars, history and clinical findings were obtained using the study proforma. Data collected was analyzed by frequency, and percentage.

Results Overall frequency of NSAIDs prescription in this study was 96%. Diclofenac (70.7%) was the commonest NSAID prescribed. Selective COX-2 inhibitors were not prescribed. Combination of paracetamol and tramadol (77%) was the commonest FDC prescribed among the 92 FDC prescriptions. High frequency of GPAs co-prescription (94%) was noted. Of 7 different NSAIDs prescribed, 2 drug (diclofenac, and paracetamol) falls within DU90% segment- mainly constituted by non-selective NSAIDs.

Conclusions Overall, the prescription pattern was in accordance with standard guidelines, as suggested by the fact that the DU90%, segment was constituted by only few drugs.