Drug utilization pattern and cost burden in hypertensive patients attending a North Indian tertiary care hospital
Drug utilization pattern and cost burden among hypertensives
Keywords:
Hypertension, Angiotensin receptor blocker, Drug utilization, Cost burdenAbstract
Background: Hypertension is a silent killer & global public health issue contributing significantly to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, premature deaths and disabilities. Even modest increase in BP within normal ranges results in risk of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacotherapy of hypertension and the prescribing behavior have substantial economic implications for patients especially in a developing country like India. Therefore, it is important to analyze the prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs and cost of the treatment.
Materials and methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted on 200 primary hypertensive patients. Prescribing behavior was analyzed on the basis of core indicators mentioned in WHO document for Action Programme on Essential Drugs for four major classes of antihypertensive drugs. Cost analysis was done on the basis of total cost incurred in a month.
Results: Most commonly prescribed antihypertensive class was found to be Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) followed by Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) and telmisartan was most frequently prescribed individual drug. The total cost of antihypertensive treatment was found maximally in high income group.
Conclusion: ARBs are the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs followed by CCBs, which is in accordance with JNC 8 guidelines. Cost incurred in the treatment is high in high income group.
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