Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prescription pattern and to monitor the adverse drug reactions due to corticosteroid usage Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the medicine and pediatric in-patient department of Basaveshwara medical college hospital and research centre Chitradurga for a period of six months. Data on prescription pattern of corticosteroids and adverse drug reactions from the patients and their representatives was collected and assessed by following Naranjo’s scale and Hartwig’s scale. The data was analyzed descriptively. Results: During the study period, a total of 110 prescriptions were collected. Out of these 54% were males and 46% were females. By analyzing the prescriptions, Budesonide (51%) was the most prescribed corticosteroid followed by Dexamethasone (27%), Hydrocortisone (17%), Prednisolone (3%), and Deflazacort (2%). Corticosteroids were prescribed more in respiratory diseases (61.82%). Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) observed with corticosteroids were eye pain, numbness in arms, increased appetite, Cushing’s syndrome, edema in both legs and weight gain. These ADRs comes under possible & probable category as per Naranjo’s scale and mild & moderate as per Hartwigs scale. Conclusion: The present study reveals that the most prescribed corticosteroid was Budesonide followed by Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone and Deflazacort. Out of the several adverse drug reactions reported as a consequence of the corticosteroid usage, the present study reported six adverse drug reactions.

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