Frequency of Outpatient Inhalers Prescriptions in Riyadh

Abstract

Background: Community pharmacists help patients in making informed decisions about their treatment and prevent the problems that could be developed from self-medication. The maintenance therapy with inhaled medications is the keystone of pharmacotherapy in many respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of inhalers dispensing in Riyadh.
 Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, observational study carried out in Riyadh city to analyze the prescriptions in outpatient pharmacies.
 Results and Discussion: The total number of prescriptions is 198 prescriptions that include 650 different medications. Out of the 650 medications, the majority were in the form of a tablet (61.7%), followed by capsules. The present study showed that the use of inhalers was uncommon in Riyadh. Out of 650 drugs, 27 drugs were available as inhalers (4.15%). Out of 27 Inhalers, Ventolin inhalers is the most prescribed (48.14%), followed by Seretide Evohaler (29.62%) and Symbicort Turbuhaler (22.2%).
 Conclusion: Although there is a high prevalence of respiratory diseases, inhaler prescriptions and dispensing aren’t common. This may be due to the use of these inhalers as OTC drugs. The role of pharmacists should be to dispense the regular medications only by prescriptions and to counsel patients about the information regarding the use of inhalers.