Prescription pattern of fixed dose drug combination in cardiology department in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: A cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity globally. The drastic change in the lifestyle of population during 21 st century has had a great impact on health especially cardiovascular diseases. Objective of this study was to assess the prescription pattern of fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs) in the department of cardiology in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The prescriptions of 210 patients suffered by cardiovascular disorders who attended the department of cardiology were analysed and following data were collected - patient demographics, diagnosis, dosage form, therapeutic category, cost of FDCs compared to individual drugs, duration of therapy, the total number of drugs per prescription and FDCs prescribed, composition of the FDC, whether FDC prescribed is approved by WHO list of essential medicine. A descriptive analysis of data was done. Results: 15 types of FDCs prescribed were received by 92(43.80%) individuals among 210 patients who attended the cardiology OPD. Prescription of FDCs was most common 28 (30.43%) in patients age group 51-60 years. The commonly prescribed FDC was aspirin with atorvastatin followed by telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide. Conclusions: The results suggested that FDCs for cardiovascular disorders are frequently prescribed by cardiologist. However all are not approved by WHO list of essential medicine. This study was focused on rational use of FDCs for prescribers for cardiovascular morbidities and mortality.