Key result
Calcium channel blockers (49.81%) and beta-blockers (12.73%) were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives among 100 patients, with a total annual expenditure of Rs. 3823.58.
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
Calcium channel blockers are the most frequently prescribed antihypertensives in this Indian cohort, but the associated costs suggest a need for increased use of generic medications.
Highlights potential for generic antihypertensives to reduce costs; leaves open whether patterns hold in larger Indian cohorts.
Background: Hypertension has been reported to be the strongest modifiable global risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, mortality as well as health burdens. Antihypertensive pharmacotherapy effectively reduces hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Prescribing pattern surveys are one of the drug use evaluation techniques providing an unbiased picture and identification of suboptimal prescribing patterns. Objective: The 6-month cross-sectional study was designed to assess the prescription pattern and cost of antihypertensives therapy in a health-care resource-limited setting of India. Materials and Methods: The hypertensive patients were divided into two groups according to risk assessment using the World Health Organization and International Society of Hypertension guidelines for the management of hypertension. The average drug acquisition and the percentage expenditure costs were calculated for each drug class on a daily and annual basis, and InStat GraphPad Prism was the statistical tool used. Results: In our study of 100 patients, the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives were calcium channel blockers in 49.81% and beta-blockers in 12.73% patients, respectively. The cost analysis on antihypertensive medications utilized showed a total expenditure of Rs. 3823.58 invested in 1 year. Conclusion: The drug use pattern of antihypertensives was evidenced based but imposed economic burden in patients. Hence, rational use of generic medications was recommended.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Mudhaliar et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=100). Antihypertensive therapy was evaluated on Prescription pattern and cost of antihypertensives therapy. Calcium channel blockers (49.81%) and beta-blockers (12.73%) were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives among 100 patients, with a total annual expenditure of Rs. 3823.58.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: