Prescription pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs in Chitwan Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is a crucial health issue globally. Cardiovascular and kidney disease is one of the results of hypertension which remarkably confer to overall mortality. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the prescribing pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs to hypertensive patients and also to establish the current trend of prescribing pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs at Chitwan Medical College (CMC).

Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 patients to assess the prescribing pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs from hypertensive patients visiting medicine OPD of CMC during study period and fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A standard proforma was used to collect information about patient’s socio-demographic details and anti-hypertensive drugs used for them. Data was collected, compiled and analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 16.

Results: Out of 290 prescriptions, 201 (69.3%) patients received monotherapy while only 89 (30.7%) patients received combination therapy. In monotherapy, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were most commonly prescribed, while angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) + diuretics were the most commonly prescribed combination therapy.

Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that CCBs and ARBs were the most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive drug in monotherapy.