Drug interaction and rational drug therapy in hospitalized patients reported with stroke

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to determine prescription rationalities, any pharmacotherapy-based problems, and to determine drug interactions in patients with stroke. Methods: Patient case histories were determined using a standard questionnaire form having a patient tag, age, sex, past history, chief complaints, biochemical tests, treatment chart and other relevant information. Forty patients suffering from stroke and were on treatment were selected for the current study. The relevant information was recorded with respect to patient demographic data, disease incidence, drug interactions. Results: Most of the hospitalized patients were in the range of 51-60 (20% out of 40 patients) and 71-80 (22.5% out of 40 patients) years. The most frequent cause of hospitalization was Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA) or stroke (57.5%). New drugs were added to the regimen of 37.5% of patients due to certain diseases. The dose was changed in the regimen of 17.5% of patients. In 7.5% patient dosage form was changed. 27.5% of patients were observed with the therapeutic alternative. Drug interactions were found in the prescription history of 30% of patients. Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that most of the patients admitted to hospital with Cerebro Vascular Accident and stroke have irrational drug prescription and drug-drug interactions in their prescription history.