Study of prescribing patterns of hypolipidemic agents in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India
Journal Title: National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Lipid-lowering agents are now the cornerstone of treatment used to reduce the risk of coronary events. Since there is wide variation in selection and use of these drugs, drug utilization studies help to evaluate and analyze drug therapy from time to time. This in turn can guide physicians prescribing practices and help in minimizing adverse drug reactions. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the prescribing pattern of hypolipidemic drugs in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Jammu. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out in patients attending the departments of cardiology and general medicine for 6 months. Prescription of the patients who were prescribed at least one hypolipidemic drug as monotherapy or in combination was evaluated. Hypolipidemic and other classes of drugs prescribed and the World Health Organization prescribing indicators were analyzed. Monthly cost of the hypolipidemic drugs prescribed was also determined. Results: Nearly, two-third (63.7%) patients with increased plasma lipids and 36.2% patients in spite of having normal lipid profile were prescribed hypolipidemic drugs as well. Hypertension with comorbid conditions (39.63%) was the most common diseases, for which hypolipidemic drugs were prescribed. The average number of drugs per prescription was 6.21 ± 1.6. Atorvastatin was the most common hypolipidemic drug prescribed as monotherapy (59.16%), whereas atorvastatin with ramipril was the most common drugs prescribed as combination therapy (14.69%). Conclusion: This study depicts the widespread use of statins in various disease conditions, both as primary and secondary preventive measures. Such studies should be done to educate the physicians on good prescribing practices and on rational use of hypolipidemic drugs.
Authors and Affiliations
Seema Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Dharminder Kumar, Sanjeev Bhat, Dinesh Kumar, Nusrat Kareem Bhat, Surbhi Mahajan
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP288278
- DOI 10.5455/njppp.2017.7.0512830082016
- Views 73
- Downloads 0
Sahaja yoga meditation as a tool to enhance aging pulmonary functions
Background: Aging is of recent origin. It is not a disease. Most of the age-related functional changes in the respiratory system result from three physiologic events-progressive decreases in the compliance of the chest w...
Role of yoga in attention, concentration, and memory of medical students
Background: The processes of attention, concentration, and memory are the main factor in learning. Yoga is an ancient technique which is claimed to enhance physical and mental well-being. Aims and Objectives: The aim of...
Comparative evaluation of different techniques required to make a didactic lecture effective
Background: Lectures being still important methods in teaching and learning in medical curriculum and need active participation from students. The traditional methods of lecture delivery need improvement in teaching patt...
A pilot study to evaluate the effect of HAART on gonadal dysfunction in male HIV patients
Background: Derangement of gonadal functions has been reported in association with HIV infection, but data from Indian population are not sufficient. Aims & Objective: To evaluate the effect of highly...
Serum magnesium in relation with obesity
Background: Obesity is the leading public health crisis of our time. A chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure will eventually lead to obesity. Several micronutrients are found to be involved in th...