TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS USED IN DERMATOLOGY OPD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DRUG UTILIZATION RESEARCH
Main Article Content
Keywords
Drug utilization research, Index of rational drug prescribing, Rational prescribing, Topical corticosteroids, WHO core prescribing indicators.
Abstract
Background
The irrational use of medications represents a significant global public health concern, with a high prevalence in developing countries. Among these, the inappropriate and excessive use of topical corticosteroids is widely practiced. The study aimed to evaluate the prescription pattern of topical corticosteroid in Dermatology outpatient department (OPD) using World Health Organization (WHO) Drug Use Indicators as a framework for assessment.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of one year. During this period, 329 prescriptions were randomly collected from patients attending the Dermatology OPD, following informed consent. The prescriptions were subsequently analysed.
Results
Average number of medicines per prescription was 3.41. Of the drugs prescribed, 44.73% written using generic names, 1.16% included antibiotics, and 0.27% involved injectable medications. Additionally, 33.48% of the prescribed medications were listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022. The calculated index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was calculated as 3.65, compared to optimal score of 5. The analysis indicated a substantial tendency toward prescribing brand-name and non-essential medications. Nevertheless, the use of antibiotics and injectable drugs, as well as indicators related to patient care and health facility practices, aligned with WHO standards. The demographic profile of patients showed a male predominance (55.62%), with the highest proportion of patients falling within the 41–50-year age group. Eczema was identified as the most prevalent dermatological condition, accounting for 24.62% of cases.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the need for regular educational initiatives and periodic training programs for healthcare providers to promote the rational use of medications. Furthermore, ensuring the consistent availability of essential drugs is imperative for improving prescribing practices in clinical settings.
References
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Dr. Hiteswar Saikia
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Jorhat Medical College, Jorhat, Assam, India.
Dr. Prabhat Ranjan Barua
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.
Dr. Anju L. Saikia
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Jorhat Medical College, Jorhat, Assam, India.
Dr. Shyamanta Barua
Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.
Dr. Daisy Phukan
Professor & HOD, Department of Pharmacology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.