Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Arya Gigi ¹, Sharon Sunil ¹, Prince Hepzhiba ¹, N. M. Mahesh ¹, Mrudula Giri ¹, Ajoy Krishnamurthy ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, IN
2 Department of General Medicine, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, IN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The management of COPD is symptomatic and as it requires long-term treatment. The irrational use of drugs may lead to certain consequences.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze drug prescription pattern in COPD patients using GOLD treatment guidelines.

METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study was conducted in General Medicine department of a tertiary care hospital for a period of 6 months. All COPD Patients with tobacco smoking, along with co morbidities and those who visited the hospital for acute exacerbation of the disease inclusive of both genders aged above 18 years were enrolled in the study. Upon prior consent from the patients, data was collected which includes the patient demographics and medications prescribed. The medication charts were analysed using GOLD treatment guidelines.

RESULTS: A total of 100 patients of either sex who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were evaluated. Among them, COPD was reported more in male patients(78%) as compared to females(22%). 35% were in the age group of 61-70 years while 1% were below 20 years of age as well as between 20-30 year age group. Antibiotics (42%) were the most prescribed class of drug in which Ceftriaxone (44%) and Azithromycin (25%) were mostly preferred. Parentral steroids were used in 20% of the patients and all of them received Hydrocortisone (50%) whereas 19% were prescribed with Methyxanthines in which Doxofylline (56.89%) was the most preferred drug. The most prescribed combination therapy was salbutamol+ ipratropium bromide and budesonide (40%). The most preferred route of administration was oral route (44.5%). 89% of the drugs were written in trade names, while 11% of the drugs were mentioned with their generic name.

DISCUSSION&CONCLUSION: It was found that majority (89.7%) of the drugs were given in accordance with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria recommendations. This study reveals that generic prescription is very low and suggests that efforts must be made to encourage prescribers for generic prescribing which may have a multitude of benefits.

Keywords

GOLD Treatment Guidelines, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Prescribing Pattern.

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Sharon Sunil ¹, Arya Gigi ¹, Prince Hepzhiba ¹, N. M. Mahesh ¹, Mrudula Giri ¹, Ajoy Krishnamurthy ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, IN
2 Department of General Medicine, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, IN

Abstract

Introduction:Lower socioeconomic status is considered to be an independent risk factor of chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD morbidity in rural areas has been higher than in urban settings. The management of chronic diseases seems to be particularly difficult in rural areas. The MRC dyspnoea scale is simple to administer as it allows the patients to indicate the extent to which their breathlessness affects their mobility.MRC dyspnoea scale can be easily applied for quantification of severity of COPD.

Objective:To analyze the severity level of the disease clinically in patients who are diagnosed assuffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methodology: A prospectiveobservational study was conducted in General Medicine department of a tertiary care hospital for a period of 6 months. All COPD patients of either sex aged above 18 years were enrolled in the study. Upon prior consent from the patients; Personal interview was held to collect data including age, gender and occupation. Dyspnoea was graded by MRC Scale as grades 0-4.

Results: Among 100 patients studied, COPD was reported more in male patients(78%) as compared to females(22%). 44% of the patients were in the age group of 61-70 years.

As per the socioeconomic status, patients were divided into three grades as follows Grade-I:-People in administration, Grade-II: - Employees, clerical staff, Grade-III:-Gardeners, security guards, drivers, peon and others. It was found that Grade-3 employees showed a greater incidence of COPD. Out of 100 patients studied, most of them hadmMRC grade-3 (32%) followed by Grade-1 (25%), Grade-2 (24%), Grade- 4 (16%) and Grade-0 (3%).

Discussion and Conclusion: The mMRC scale can be used as an effective tool for screening in rural set up where the facilities for spirometric evaluation of COPD are nonexistent. Apart from that,mMRC scale is a convenient and comprehensive tool for respiratory therapists in planning the rehabilitation programs in patients with lower socioeconomic status.

Keywords

COPD, Dyspnoea, mMRC Scale, Socioeconomic Status.

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