PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUGS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KERALA AND ADHERENCE TO JNC-8 GUIDELINES

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension is a leading contributor to the global burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Worldwide prevalence is continuing to increase. Treatment for hypertension is constantly evolving and many new drugs are added at rapid pace. The objective of this study is to investigate utilization pattern of antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive patients in Azeezia institute of Medical Sciences and Research and to find its adherence to JNC-8 guidelines for management of hypertension. Methods: Descriptive drug utilization study was conducted on 266 hypertensive patients for period of 3 months. Data retrieved from patient's medical record. The study included all hypertensive patients with or without co-morbidities and above 18 yrs who attended out-patient department. Following classes of antihypertensive drugs were analyzed: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI), Angiotensin Receptor blockers (ARB), beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics. ACEI/ARB was mostly prescribed which is in adherence to JNC-8 guidelines which recommends the use of ACEI/ARB as the first choice of drug. Results: Hypertension is more prevalent in males than in females. ACEI/ARB are the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs alone or in combination, supporting the medication adherence to JNC-8 guidelines. Conclusion: The study concludes that the hypertension is more prevalent in males than in females, with its prevalence increasing with age. Peer Review History: Received 27 March 2018; Revised 20 June; Accepted 8 July, Available online 15 July 2018 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Dr. Heba-Tallah Ahmed Mohamed Moustafa, Heliopolis University Cairo, Egypt, anasweety2003@yahoo.com Similar Articles: CURRENT TREND OF RESISTANT FOR THE COMMONLY PRESCRIBED NEW FLUOROQUINOLONES AMONG HOSPITALISED PATIENTS IN SANA'A, YEMEN