PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

*Dr. V. Balaji MD and Dr. S. Kalaivani MD

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem all over the world. It is not a disease in itself, but it is an important risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Objective: To evaluate the prescribing pattern of antihypertensive drugs in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Coimbatore medical College. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Outpatient Department in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Coimbatore to access the prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs during November 2018 to April 2020. Results: In the present study, 71.2% patients received monotherapy while 28.8 % received combination therapy. In monotherapy, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) 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 were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug, followed by ARBs in monotherapy. Combination therapy was given according to associated risk factors and comorbid conditions.

Keywords: Prescribing Pattern; Hypertension.