Prescription Pattern Of Drugs Research Articles

Valuation of prescription patterns of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> drugs in outpatient department, Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori infects up to half of the world’s population. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a major contributing factor for gastric ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and extra gastric disease. The main aim of this study was to observe the prescription patterns of Helicobacter pylori drugs at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Meru. This infection is mostly treated by a triple-drug regimen for successful eradication. The available regimens are a combination of proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, bismuth sulfate, and histamine blockers. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional retrospective review of the patient files for Helicobacter pylori was done at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH). Systematic random sampling was used to select 262 medical records for review. Data was collected using the pre-tested abstraction forms and was coded and analyzed for descriptive statistics. RESULTS Out of the 262 medical records that were reviewed, 147 (56.4%) were males prescribed the Helicobacter pylori drug regimen. Among all the young adults (age: 12-39 years) were more likely to get Helicobacter pylori infection. The medication regimens that were highly preferred at MeTRH were 14-day and 7-day clarithromycin triple-based therapy. The 14-day triple therapy accounted for 74.5% of all patient files. The most administered drug class for Helicobacter pylori were proton pump inhibitors at 45.3% followed by antibiotics at 38.8% and the least prescribed drugs were the H2 blockers with 15.9%. CONCLUSION Regarding the most prescribed drug, the proton pump inhibitors while the most preferred regimen was the 14-day clarithromycin triple-based therapy. This data will certainly be important for the pharmaceutical management chain to manage the stock of analyzed drugs and also can spread awareness regards the appropriate handling of drugs which can improve adherence and reduce the rate of treatment failure and the emergence of antibiotic drug resistance.

Drug utilization study of antidepressant drugs in psychiatric outdoor patients at a tertiary care hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “Drug Utilization” as the marketing, distribution, prescription, and use of drugs in a society, with special emphasis on the resulting medical, social, and economic consequences. Antidepressants are used to treat depressive illnesses and anxiety disorders. However, these are also employed in the pharmacotherapy of several psychiatric disorders. Very few studies were found regarding the pattern of prescription of antidepressants in outdoor patients in southern Rajasthan. So, this study has been planned to learn about the prescription pattern of antidepressant drugs as per WHO Core Drugs Prescribing indicators at a tertiary care hospital in southern Rajasthan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 375 patients by convenient sampling over one year duration, in the outdoor Department of Psychiatry at RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Patient’s prescriptions were analyzed for drug utilisation pattern in OPD after relevant consent. All data was compiled in MS Excel and analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Out of 375 prescriptions analyzed, 48.8% were males and 51.2% were females. Most commonly, patients had a diagnosis of depressive disorder (42.93%), followed by bipolar affective disorder (14.4%). The most common drug class prescribed was SSRI (88.86%). Escitalopram (41.65%) was the most prescribed drug, followed by Sertraline (30.51%). Conclusions: Among the prescribed antidepressants SSRIs were the most common class of drug followed by TCA. Escitalopram was the most common drug to be prescribed followed by sertraline. More than half of the patients receiving antidepressants suffered from non-depressive disorders. Monotherapy was preferred over combination therapy. All patients were prescribed generic drugs.

Study of prescribing pattern of drugs in the management of migraine with psychiatric comorbidities at integral institute of medical science and research

Background: Migraine headaches, a prevalent and serious brain condition, often coincide with mental health issues. This study aims to explore drug prescribing patterns for migraine patients with psychiatric comorbidities. Methods: Over six months, a prospective observational study was conducted at the psychiatric department of IIMS&R Hospital. 100 prescriptions were analyzed based on specific criteria. Results: Total 14 different drugs were prescribed. NSAIDs were most common (87%), followed by multivitamins (50%), benzodiazepines (30%), and tricyclic antidepressants (23%).Naxdom (NSAIDs) was frequently used (87%). Patients aged 31-45 years had higher prevalence. Comorbidities associated are depression (18%), anxiety disorder (10%), insomnia (5%). Conclusions: The study highlights various orally administered drugs, including anti-migraine meds, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and more. Patients within the 31-45years age group were significantly affected. Migraine correlated with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The most common medication was naxdom 250mg taken orally.

A Long-Term Retrospective Real-World Evidence to Understand the Pattern of Insulin Prescription in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Evaluating the Role of Insulin Initiation

Abstract Aims and Objective: To evaluate the prescription pattern of insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and the trend of glycemic control in people with diabetes (PwD) with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care center in India. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional observational study included clinic records of 647 PwD collected at three different time points (2011, 2015, and 2019). Population characteristics, patterns of glycemic parameters, and trends of antidiabetic medication were analyzed. Results: PwD population was similar in terms of anthropometric and clinical variables. Dysglycemia was observably higher in the 2015 population (mean HbA1C = 8.37 ± 1.8%) compared with the 2011 population (6.4 ± 0.4%) and stabilized in the 2019 population (8.35 ± 1.9%) compared with the 2015 population. This correlated with the trend of increase in basal and bolus insulin prescriptions as more subjects were initiated on insulin to address the higher dysglycemia in 2015 than in 2011 and were later titrated in 2019. The proportion of subjects with uncontrolled diabetes increased marginally in 2015 (50.9%) compared with 2011 (45.6%) and decreased significantly in 2019 (34.1%) compared with 2015. This correlated with the additive increases of premix insulin, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) prescriptions. Conclusion: We observed a judicious usage of insulin prescriptions correlating with the higher need for PwD to be initiated with basal insulin to counter the increasing trend of dysglycemia, followed by more premix insulin prescriptions to address stabilized dysglycemia. Optimal diabetes control can be partly attributed to dysglycemia stabilization by insulin initiation and usage of newer OADs, such as SGLT2i and DPP4i.

Antihypertensive Treatment Patterns in CKD Stages 3 and 4: The CKD-REIN Cohort Study

Rationale & ObjectiveBlood pressure (BP) control is essential for preventing cardiorenal complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most patients fail to reach BP target. We assessed longitudinal patterns of antihypertensive drug prescription and systolic BP (SBP). Study DesignProspective observational cohort study Setting & Population2755 hypertensive patients with CKD stages 3–4, receiving care from a nephrologist, from the French CKD-REIN cohort study ExposurePatient factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and laboratory data, and provider factors, including number of primary-care physician and specialist encounters. OutcomesChanges in antihypertensive drug class prescription during follow-up: add-on, or withdrawal. Analytical ApproachHierarchical shared-frailty models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) to deal with clustering at the nephrologist level, and linear mixed models to describe Systolic BP trajectory. ResultsAt baseline, median age was 69, mean eGFR, 33 ml/min/1.73m2; 66% of patients were men, 81% had BP ≥130/80 mmHg and 75% were prescribed ≥2 antihypertensive drugs. During a median 5-year follow-up, the rate of changes of antihypertensive prescription was 50 per 100 person-years, 23 per 100 for add-ons and 25 per 100 for withdrawals. After adjusting for risk factors, Systolic BP, and the number of antihypertensive drugs, poor medication adherence was associated with increased HR for add-on, 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.80), while a shorter education level was associated with increased HR for withdrawal, 1.23 (1.02-1.49) for 9-11 years versus ≥12 years. More frequent nephrologist visits (≥4 versus none) were associated with higher HRs of add-on and withdrawal (1.52; 95% CI 1.06-2.18 and 1.57; 1.12-2.19, respectively), while associations with visit frequency to other physicians varied with their specialty. Mean Systolic BPdecreased by 4 mmHg following drug add-on but tended to rise thereafter. LimitationsLack of information on prescriber, and drug dosing. Conclusions: In patients with CKD and poor BP control, changes in antihypertensive drug prescriptions are common and relate to clinician preferences and patients’ tolerability. Sustainable reduction in Systolic BPafter add-on of a drug class is infrequently achieved.

A study on the Prescription Pattern of Antifungal Drugs in Aden-Yemen

Background: Fungal infections are more common in tropical zones; they can be simple, complicated, or even fatal. Studying the prescribing pattern can help physicians provide rational medical care and appropriate patient compliance. The current study aimed to determine the prescription patterns of antifungals in three departments and the distribution of fungal disease to help in developing policies and stewardship in using antifungal medications. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months from March to October 2023. Potential participants were approached in Governorate and private pharmacies, and dermatologic, gynecologic, and dental clinics. Results: The total number of collected prescriptions was 250. The analysis of the demographic characteristics of the involved patients showed that about 166 (66.4%) of the patients were females and 84 (33.65%) were males. Most of the patients are in the age group (19-35 years). Most of the fungal infection was vulvovaginal candidiasis 64(25.6%), Tinea versicolor 38(15.2), Tinea cruris 30(12%), oral candidiasis 21 (8.4 %), Tinea corporis (8.4%) then Tinea pedis and skin candidiasis had equal number 19 (7.6%), followed by tinea capitis 12 (4.8%) and onychomycosis 12 (4.8%). The most prescribed oral medicines were Itraconazole 66 (26.4%), followed by Fluconazole 56 (22.4%), Terbinafine 28 (11.2%), Ketoconazole 29 (11.6%) and Griseofulvin 13 (5.2%). The topical medicines prescribed were as follows: Ketoconazole 98 (39.28%), Clotrimazole 46 (18.4 %), Terbinafine 36 (14.4%), and Miconazole 33 (16.4%). The majority of patients (75%) received a combination of topical and systemic oral therapy. While (25 %) were treated by only topical agents.

Is Arterial Stiffness Interconnected with Cardiovascular Drug Prescription Patterns, Body Composition Parameters, and the Quality of Blood Pressure Regulation in Hypertensive Patients?

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased arterial stiffness, particularly as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). This study aims to explore the relationships between age groups, antihypertensive and new oral antidiabetic drugs, body composition, and arterial stiffness parameters in hypertensive patients. A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted including 584 participants who underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (including central blood pressure (BP) and PWV measurement), body composition analysis, and provided medical history and current pharmacotherapy data. The study found that PWV was significantly higher in patients with poorly regulated BP in those aged 65 years and older. Significant PWV predictors included systolic BP, heart rate, peripheral mean arterial pressure, peripheral pulse pressure, augmentation index, calcium channel blockers, moxonidine, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, urapidil, and statin prescription. Also, statistically significant negative correlations were found between PWV and visceral fat level, fat-free mass, and the percentage of muscle mass. The findings suggest that arterial stiffness is interconnected with peripheral and central blood pressure parameters, body composition parameters, and prescribed hypertensive and new antidiabetic drugs.

Prescription Pattern of Drugs used in Eczema Patients Visiting Dermatology Department

Prescription Pattern of Drugs used in Eczema Patients Visiting Dermatology Department

A Study of Prescription Pattern of Anti-Diabetic Drugs and Usage of Teneligliptin for Type II Diabetis Mellitus

A Study of Prescription Pattern of Anti-Diabetic Drugs and Usage of Teneligliptin for Type II Diabetis Mellitus

Prescription pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their effects on symptoms and disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis in tertiary care centre

Prescription pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their effects on symptoms and disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis in tertiary care centre

Macular Degeneration Drug Prescribing Patterns After Step Therapy Introduction in Medicare Advantage

In Medicare Advantage (MA), step therapy for physician-administered drugs is an approach to lowering drug spending. The impact of step therapy in MA on prescribing behavior and the magnitude of any changes has not been analyzed. To evaluate the impact of step therapy on macular degeneration drug prescribing patterns for 3 large MA insurers. This was a retrospective encounter-based analysis using 20% nationally representative MA outpatient and carrier encounter records for 2017 to 2019. Participants were MA beneficiaries who were 65 years or older and had received a macular degeneration drug administration. Macular degeneration drug administrations for beneficiaries of MA Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) insurers were assessed. Humana implemented macular degeneration step therapy in 2019, setting bevacizumab as the plan-preferred drug, and aflibercept and ranibizumab as the plan-nonpreferred drugs. Aetna and UHC, which did not implement macular degeneration step therapy, served as the control group. Data analyses were performed from May 2024 to December 2024. A macular degeneration drug administration subject to a step therapy policy. A binary indicator of whether the drug administered was bevacizumab. Linear probability models and a difference-in-differences framework were used to quantify changes in prescribing patterns before and after the introduction of step therapy for MA insurers that did and did not implement step therapy. To empirically measure the impact of step therapy, the first administration of a treatment episode was assessed, followed by switching patterns. A total of 18 331 MA beneficiaries, 21 683 treatment episodes, and 171 985 drug administrations were included across the control and treatment groups. The difference-in-differences regressions found a 7.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-10.7%; P < .001) greater probability of being prescribed bevacizumab for the first administration due to step therapy. The predicted probabilities of preferred-drug administration in the treatment group increased from 0.61 to 0.70 between the periods before and after step therapy implementation for the first administration. Step therapy was not significantly associated with an increased rate of medication switching (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.71-1.06; P = .15). The findings of this retrospective encounter-based analysis indicate that step therapy is associated with a greater probability of prescribing the plan-preferred drug for the first administration. The analysis failed to find a statistically significant greater rate of medication switching within a treatment episode. Step therapy changed macular degeneration prescribing patterns, but step therapy alone did not transition all administrations to the plan-preferred drug.

An observational study on prescription pattern of drugs and psychiatric disorders occurring in elderly patients in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract Background: Elderly age group is the most vulnerable age group for various health-related issues. Psychiatric disorders and their management are quite important, especially in this vulnerable population. With increased availability of newer drugs, rational prescription of drugs is essential. Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To assess the prescription pattern of antipsychotic drugs and other psychiatric drugs prescribed to elderly psychiatry patients, (2) to determine the psychiatric illness occurring among the elderly psychiatric patients, and (3) to estimate the polypharmacy and cost burden of drugs prescribed. Materials and Methods: It was an observational study conducted over a period of 6 months in “Government Hospital for Mental Care.” The prescriptions were collected from the outpatient medical records and were thoroughly analyzed to assess antipsychotics and other psychiatric drugs being prescribed and the disorders frequently came across in the elderly patients who visited the psychiatry outpatient department. Results: Two hundred and fifty prescriptions were analyzed during the study. Male patients outnumbered female patients. The majority of the patients were of age group 50–60 years. Schizophrenia was the most common disorder encountered in the study population followed by psychosis and bipolar. Among the drugs, trihexyphenidyl followed by quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and so on were the most common drugs prescribed. Conclusion: In the current study the prescribing pattern of drugs is as per the norms with rational usage of more efficacious drugs. Polypharmacy is limited. Periodic drug utilization studies help to solve the issues related to polypharmacy and improve the quality of treatment given to the patients.

A Cross Sectional Study on Prescription Pattern of Antiepileptic Medication among Children of Southern Rajasthan in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Drug utilization studies are powerful exploratory tools for establishing the role of drugs in society and also effective methods for assessing the prescribing pattern of clinicians. Around 4-10% of children suffer at least one seizure episode at 16 years of age. Even after the availability of several Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), choosing the correct drug with accurate dosing will produce seizure-free generation. Hence, this study aims to examine the prescription patterns of drugs in epileptic children. Methods: This study was a cross sectional observational study. Children &lt;16 years old visiting neurology department with a history of epileptic seizures and already on antiepileptic drug therapy were included in the study. The data comprised of demographic details, disease history, type of seizure, diagnosis, investigations done, along with prescribed medication noted in case record form. The total study duration was 13 months. Results: In this study, the maximum epilepsy encountering age in male and female children was below the 12-year age group, male predominance was higher than females (male 60.83% vs. female 39.16%). The majority of children were diagnosed with generalized tonic colonic seizures, 54.17%, followed by focal/or partial seizures, 39.17%. Sodium valproate 19.16%, carbamazepine 14.17%, oxcarbazepine 16.67%, and levetriacetam 13.33% were the most commonly prescribed single drug regimens for treating both types of seizures, followed by clobazam added as second and third adjuvant drug in resistant epilepsy to valproate 12.5%, oxcarbazepine 6.67%, and levetriacetam plus carbamazepine combination 5% respectively. Conclusion: Monotherapy was majorly followed in 70% of pediatric patients for maintaining better patient compliance. Both old and new AEDs regimens are prescribed for maintaining the quality of life in patients.

Drug Prescription Pattern for Leptospirosis and Association with Outcome: Observations from a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Leptospirosis, an infection of the tropics, caused by helical spirochetes, Genus Leptospira. For the first time, this study examines the pattern of antibiotic prescription for leptospirosis and its association with outcome. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study. A total of 227 adults diagnosed and treated for leptospirosis during the study period of January 2013 to December 2018 were included in the study. Information on gender, age, admission details, outcome, inpatient days, and antibiotics used was collected from the patients’ records and analyzed. Results: Around 75% of the leptospirosis patients were male and majority (70.4%) of the patients were from the age group of 31–60 years. Most of the patients (43.6%) were admitted for 6–10 days; 27.3% of the patients were admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the mortality rate was 7.49%. Ceftriaxone was the most (53.3%) prescribed intravenous antimicrobial, followed by piperacillin–tazobactum (32.6%), and among oral antimicrobials, doxycycline was prescribed in 37.4% of the patients. Penicillin was administered to 44 patients with mild disease and all survived. Among the Ceftriaxone and piperacillin–tazobactum prescribed, 26.5% (32/121) and 35% (26/74) were admitted in ICU, respectively. Among the patients with severe disease, who succumbed to leptospirosis, ceftriaxone, and piperacillin–tazobactam were prescribed in 8.28% and 4.05%, respectively. Conclusion: The pattern of antibiotics prescribed in the study center was in accordance with the standard guidelines. The prescriptions were predominantly penicillin and doxycycline in early conditions while ceftriaxone and piperacillin–tazobactum were administered in advance/severe conditions. Patients with mild disease recovered with penicillin, while in advanced disease, even administration of third cephalosporins and doxycycline had a poor prognosis leading to death of the patients, indicating the need for early diagnosis and treatment to be important to prevent mortality.

Antihypertensive drug prescription patterns and their impact on blood pressure outcomes in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: The guidelines from the Joint National Committee (JNC-8) emphasize the importance of rapid blood pressure (BP) control to reduce morbidity and mortality. The success of hypertension treatment depends on various factors, with irrational prescription being strongly linked to poor BP control. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of antihypertensive drug prescriptions among patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted in 2018, including all hypertensive patients on medication. Their prescription patterns were analyzed. Results: The study analyzed prescriptions from 240 hypertensive patients. The mean ages for male and female patients were 56.68±15.32 and 62.29±12.65 years, respectively. Physicians commonly prescribed monotherapy (34.60%) followed by two-drug (18.40%), three-drug (11.80%), and four-drug combinations (3.00%). The most frequent two-drug combination was ACE inhibitors + diuretics (4.40%), followed by angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) + diuretics (3.60%) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) + ACE inhibitors (2.60%). Adherence to JNC 8 guidelines was 19.3% for pre-hypertension, 88.70% for stage 1 hypertension, and 73.29% for stage 2 hypertension. Conclusions: Monotherapies were the most commonly prescribed regimens. Twice-daily dosing and monthly appointments were associated with lower incidences of uncontrolled BP. However, complete adherence to standard guidelines was not observed in all cases, especially in patients with comorbid conditions.

Evaluation of drug prescription patterns in Iran: a scoping review

Evaluation of drug prescription patterns in Iran: a scoping review

Antidepressant prescription patterns and polypharmacy in outpatient psychiatry: a cross-sectional study.

Background and aim: Prescription patterns of antidepressants have changed over the years with a shift towards newer antidepressants with better tolerability and safety. Polypharmacy is common in psychiatry settings. The study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant drug prescription pattern and polypharmacy in a psychiatry outpatient setting. Investigations: This prospective observational study was conducted in a psychiatric outpatient clinic. The medication use data of eligible patients were collected. In addition, the rationale of antidepressant medication prescription, the defined daily dosage (DDD), the prescribed daily dose (PDD), and the PDD to DDD ratio were assessed. The assessment of prescription polypharmacy was conducted utilizing the framework provided by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Results: Data from 131 patients was analyzed. Major depressive disorder (32.8%) was the most common disorder for which antidepressants were prescribed. The majority, 91 (69.4%), received monotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed drugs in 69 (52.7%). Mirtazapine was the most frequently 32(24.4%) prescribed drug. Escitalopram and mirtazapine were the most commonly prescribed combination therapy (4.6%). Antipsychotic medications (37.4%) were the most widely co-prescribed medications, along with antidepressants. The PDD to DDD ratio was less than 1 for mirtazapine and imipramine; they were ≥1 for others. Psychiatric polypharmacy was documented in 87.1% of prescriptions. The total polypharmacy was not significantly (p>0.05) associated with demographic, illness, and treatment-related variables. Conclusion: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, monotherapy, and combination therapy. A substantial amount of patients received concomitant administration of antidepressants or psychotropic drugs, warranting careful monitoring.

A Study on Prescription Pattern of Drugs in Orthopaedics Inpatient Department of Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Raichur

Background: Periodic evaluation of drug utilization pattern is necessary to promote rational drug use by. In orthopaedics practice, the prescribing pattern needs to be regularly monitored since many of the drugs prescribed carry untoward adverse effects. In this backdrop, the present study was conducted to explore the prescribing pattern in orthopaedics outpatient department (OPD) of Navodaya medical college hospital and research centre in Raichur. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted for 3 months, in Navodaya medical college hospital and research centre in Raichur, a 1000 bedded tertiary care rural based, teaching hospital. Total 100 patients were included in this study. Results: Total 1216 drugs were prescribed in 100 prescriptions. Average number of drugs per prescription was 7.34. Average duration of prescription was 9 days. Percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 29.7%. Percentage of encounter with an Antibiotic prescribed was 60.23% i.e. out of 100 prescriptions antibiotics were prescribed in 60. Percentage of encounter with an Injection prescribed was 60% which means out of 100 prescriptions, injectables were prescribed in 60. Percentage of drugs prescribed from National Essential Medicine List was 52.63%. Percentage of drugs prescribed from WHO model List was 32.46%. Diclofenac (14.25%) was most commonly prescribed drug. Incidence of polypharmacy was quite high in context of Analgesics. Almost 19% of prescriptions had 3 drugs. Orally prescribed Analgesics were 62.4%, Injectables 34% and Topical 3.6%. Conclusion: The study provides an insight into the prescribing pattern in orthopaedics in-patients. It highlights the importance of emphasizing rational drug prescribing and toward improving awareness of the physicians and medical students to the WHO recommended standards on prescribing indicators.

Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy of Cancer Pain in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background Head and Neck Cancers (HNC) account for 5% of all malignant tumours, but 80% of patients experience pain. As per the WHO analgesic ladder, analgesics are a cornerstone for the management of pain in HNC patients. Purpose Our study aims to analyse the prescribing pattern of analgesic drugs in patients with HNC pain. Materials and Methods A prospective, continuous, observational study was conducted among patients with HNC pain. Demographics, detailed history of pain (type, duration, location and Numerical Rating Scale [NRS] score), details of drugs prescribed and any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded at baseline visit and at first, second and sixth month follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the above parameters. The mean reduction in NRS was analysed by the Z test. Results Out of 145 patients, 118 (81.37%) were male and 27 (18.62%) were female. The mean age of patients was 51.89 + 7.07 years. Tramadol (81.37%) followed by morphine (62.75%) were the commonly prescribed analgesics. Amitriptyline (20%) followed by pregabalin (19.31%) were commonly prescribed adjuvant analgesics. A statistically significant reduction in mean NRS was found at each follow-up visit ( p &lt; .05). A total of 50 ADRs were observed. Constipation (38%) and drowsiness (24%) were the most frequently reported ADRs, with morphine and tramadol being the most common suspected causal drugs. Conclusion Tramadol and morphine were frequently prescribed analgesics in patients with HNC pain in accordance with the WHO analgesic ladder. The majority of patients with HNC pain achieved a significant reduction in NRS pain scores at the end of six months.

Prescription pattern of drugs in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis patients in Government General Hospital, Kakinada – A retrospective study

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis, or zygomycosis, is an aggressive fungal infection caused by Mucorales, posing a significant threat, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. Its incidence has surged in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a deeper understanding of its management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed prescription patterns for post-COVID-19 mucormycosis in a tertiary care hospital. Medical records of 108 patients diagnosed with post-COVID-19 mucormycosis were reviewed to extract relevant data. RESULTS: The study revealed notable patterns in prescription management, including a male predominance (78.3%) and a mean age of 52.41 years. Diabetes mellitus was prevalent (95%), emphasizing its association with mucormycosis. Antifungal therapy, primarily posaconazole (95%), and adjunctive treatments varied. Surgical intervention, particularly debridement (70%), was crucial. Analgesic therapy, notably diclofenac (52%), and other medications were commonly prescribed, reflecting the complex health-care needs of mucormycosis patients. CONCLUSION: The study provides valuable insights into prescription patterns in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to optimize outcomes in this vulnerable patient population. Understanding prescription patterns for post-COVID-19 mucormycosis is vital for guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing treatment strategies in this vulnerable patient population. Further research is warranted to address limitations and enhance patient care and outcomes.