Prescribing patterns and analyzing the usage of corticosteroid therapy at tertiary care hospital

Corticosteroids are used extensively in treating inflammation. They provide short-term symptomatic relief in abnormalities of conditions like Auto immune diseases, Dermatological and Respiratory diseases. Adverse effects of Corticosteroids include Cushing’s syndrome, Skin atrophy, contact dermatitis, tachyphylaxis, Myelosuppression, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, pleural effusion. As per the sources available from the regulatory authority of Central Drugs Standard Control organization, inappropriate use of Corticosteroids is more commonly practiced in India almost all the drugs are prescribed rationally. The Pharmacist can promote better patient care and drug safety. Most of the Physician is recommending the drugs are mostly branded names. Our study suggests provide it in generic names. Clinical Pharmacists in associations with clinicians must play a crucial role in minimizing the problems associated with irrational usage of corticosteriods.