Prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs in tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Prescribing patterns provides prescribing behaviors of prescriber. Hypertension is most common cardiac complication among middle and old age population. Thus, study about prescribing trends helps to select appropriate drug for treatment of hypertension. The study aim was to analyze the patterns of antihypertensive drug prescribed in patients diagnosed with hypertension. Methods: The study was cross sectional and observational study. A questionnaire was specifically designed factoring patients’ demographical profile, diagnosis of disease, drug regimen. Results: The totals of 100 patients were analyzed for the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drug maximum patients belonged to the age group of 61-80. The proportion of male (62%) patients was more as compared to female patients (38%). Total drug prescribed was 246 in 100 prescriptions. Average drug per prescription was 2.46. Among 246 drugs, 97% were antihypertensive prescribed and 3% were other concomitant drugs. 65% single drug prescribed, 25% two drug prescribed and 10% three drug prescribed. Most commonly single antihypertensive drug prescribed was telmisartan. Most commonly two antihypertensive drug prescribed was telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide. Most commonly three antihypertensive drug prescribed was telmisartan + amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide. Among total 246 drug prescribed, angiotensin receptor blocker was prescribed (ARB) 28%, calcium channel blocker (CCB) 17%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) 12%, beta blocker 5% followed by ARB + diuretics 13%, ACEI + diuretics 8%, beta blocker + CCB 4%, ARB + CCB + diuretics 7%, ARB + beta blocker + diuretics 3% and 3% other drug prescribed. There was no fixed dose combination prescribed and no injectable prescribed in present study. Conclusions: The most common drug prescribed was ARB as single drug therapy. The most common drug which was used for combination therapy was diuretics.