Key result
In a systematic review of 26 studies from low- and middle-income countries, calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medications in 10 studies (33% to 72%).
Why the study?
Hypertension is highly prevalent, but its pharmacological management has not been well evaluated in low- and middle-income countries.
What are the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medications in low- and middle-income countries?
Systematic Review (n=26)
Yes
What are the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medications in low- and middle-income countries?
This systematic review highlights the varied prescribing patterns of antihypertensives in LMICs, with calcium channel blockers being the most frequently prescribed class in the plurality of studies.
Informs LMIC formulary and access decisions; extends systematic data on real-world antihypertensive prescribing patterns.
Hypertension is highly prevalent, but its pharmacological management has not been well evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review examined the prescribing patterns of antihypertensives in LMICs. Data were extracted from a total of 26 studies spanning the time period 2000 to 2018. In 10 studies, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were the most frequently prescribed medication for managing hypertension (range = 33% to 72%); in six studies, renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (range = 25% to 83%); in five studies, diuretics (range = 39% to 99%); and in five studies, β-blockers (BBs; range = 26% to 49%) were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications. Prescribing sedatives and sublingual administration of captopril for controlling hypertension was also reported in 3 studies. Only 10 studies presented their findings in light of national or international guidelines. This review calls for further antihypertensive utilization and dispensation studies and a better understanding of clinician's perception and practice of hypertension management guidelines in LMICs.
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Arshad et al. (2020) conducted a systematic review in Hypertension (n=26). Antihypertensive medications was evaluated on Most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medication class. In a systematic review of 26 studies from low- and middle-income countries, calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medications in 10 studies (33% to 72%).
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