Abstract
Objective: To assess the rationale use of benzodiazepines among various departments in a multi-speciality hospital.
 Methods: A prospective study was conducted with a sample size of 200 for a period of six months. Data was collected from patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale and Drug Interaction Probability Scale (DIPS) were used as a study tool to measure the causality of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Based on the dosage of various benzodiazepines DDD was calculated and compared with WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification Defined Daily Dose (DDD).
 Results: BZD’s were mostly prescribed in males (74.5%) and married patients (86.5%) were more exposed to benzodiazepines compared to others. Lorazepam (70.1%) was found to be the most commonly used drug, mainly prescribed for sedation, followed by anxiety. DDD was calculated and majority of patients had DDD in accordance with WHO standard. Based on cost analysis, Clobazam was found to be the high cost and Lorazepam being the low-cost drug. The results of drug utilization evaluation of benzodiazepines study were compiled and reported to the respected department physician and their feedback was collected.
 Conclusion: The study showed a rational utilization of benzodiazepines and the negative outcomes of BZDs can be reduced by providing drug-related information to the prescribers and consumers.
Highlights
Drug utilization studies are used as a potential tool in the evaluation of health care system which has been conducted and major problems with respect to drug use patterns, prescribing behavior, gaps between guidelines were addressed
A study on drug utilization evaluation of benzodiazepines was conducted in a multi-speciality hospital to assess the rational use of benzodiazepines among 200 patients
These results were similar to the previous studies whereas a contrast to this was observed where the rate of benzodiazepine use was higher among women than men [15]
Summary
Drug utilization studies are used as a potential tool in the evaluation of health care system which has been conducted and major problems with respect to drug use patterns, prescribing behavior, gaps between guidelines were addressed. Benzodiazepines have long been used for conditions including various psychiatry disorders, insomnia, acute alcohol withdrawal and epilepsy [1]. Such studies help in optimizing the rational use of drugs in a clinical setting [2]. DUE implies the prescription of a well-documented drug in an optimal dose on the right indication, with correct information and at an affordable price. It provides insight into the efficacy of drug use i.e. whether a certain drug therapy provides value for money. Benzodiazepines (BZD) have become one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs due to their multiple therapeutic actions such as anxiolytics, sedatives, seizures, muscle relaxants and dependence syndrome [3]
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