DRUG PRESCRIBING PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL.
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Keywords
Psoriasis, drug utilization, topical steroids.
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence varying from 0.44-2.8 % in India. With limited knowledge of how drugs are prescribed and consumed, it is challenging to suggest recommendations to improve or modify prescribing patterns. Drug utilization study aims to facilitate rational use of drugs
Objective: To study prescription patterns in psoriasis in a tertiary care teaching hospital using National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted after prior approval of IEC. Patients visiting Dermatology OPD at the Tertiary Care teaching Hospital who were newly diagnosed with psoriasis by the Dermatologist were considered for collection of data. Informed consent was taken before collection of data.
Results: A total of 115 patients were enrolled for the study within a study period of 1 year who received 620 drugs. The number of drugs prescribed per patient was 4.34 ± 1.22 (Mean ± SD). Majority of the drugs prescribed were administered by topical route 344 (55.48%). Most common drugs prescribed were steroids 115 (100%) followed by salicylic acid 94 (81.74%), antioxidants along with vitamins 102 (88.69%), antihistaminics 77 (66.96%), moisturisers containing liquid paraffin 75 (65.22%), methotrexate 41 (35.65%) and folic acid 41 (35.65%). Most frequently prescribed topical drug was steroid 115 (100%) followed by salicylic acid 94 (81.74%) and liquid paraffin 75 (65.22%).
Conclusion: In our study majority of patients were prescribed topical agents for treatment of psoriasis. About 64.19% of prescribed drugs are mentioned in the NICE guideline for psoriasis.
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Dr. Prasanjit Kumar Debnath
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Nagaon Medical College, Assam.
Dr. Pranab Kumar Bordoloi
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Nagaon Medical College, Assam.
Dr.Rosely Timungpi
Registrar, Department of Dermatology, Nagaon Medical College, Assam.
Dr.Sumit Kumar Debnath
Assistant Professor, IMS Unison University, Dehradun.
