Evaluation of prescribing pattern of fixed-dose combinations in obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital of central India

Abstract

Background: Improved patient compliance and cost effectiveness are two benefits of fixed-dose combination drugs. Irrational fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) raise the most urgent issue since they put patients at needless risk for negative medication responses. Aims and Objectives: The present study was done with objective of analyzing prescribing pattern of FDCs in department of fixed-dose combination in department of obstetrics and gynecology in a tertiary care hospital of central India. Materials and Methods: This study, which was both prospective and observational, was conducted at the tertiary care hospital of central India. This study comprised the prescriptions of all patients who visited the obstetrics and gynecology Outpatient Department during the study period. Results: In the present study, 1605 prescriptions were analyzed, comprising total 3016 drugs. Out of these 1262 were prescribed as FDCs and 1754 were prescribed as single drugs. On analyzing system-wise prescriptions, it was found that majority drugs were prescribed pertaining to gastrointestinal tract, that is, 1720 prescriptions, of which 722 (38.8%) were prescribed as FDCs. Four hundred and sixty-three drugs were prescribed related to hematological system, of which 97 (14.9%) were FDCs. Four hundred and thirty-three drugs were prescribed related to anti-infective class, comprising 196 (36.6%) FDCs. Among FDCs prescribed in gastrointestinal system, Vitamin D3 + Calcium carbonate was most commonly prescribed, accounting for 644 (51%) prescriptions. Clotrimazole + Clindamycin was most commonly prescribed FDC in anti-infective system comprising 118 (9.3%) patients. Ferrous ascorbate + folic acid was most commonly prescribed hematological FDC, accounting for 49 (3.8%) patients. Dextromethorphan + phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine was most commonly prescribed FDC in respiratory segment accounting for 39 (2.9%) patients. Conclusion: The present study highlights a considerable number of drugs prescribed as FDCs. FDCs reduce pill burden and also help to improve patient compliance. However, rationality of FDCs should be thought before prescribing it to patients.