A prospective observational study on drug utilization evaluation of antihypertensives in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Since hypertension plays a part in the development of major cardiovascular disorders and renal diseases, it is considered a serious health issue. To guarantee safe and effective treatment, a periodic evaluation of the drug utilization pattern in a tertiary care teaching hospital necessitates a study on antihypertensive consumption. 

Objective: To determine drug utilization evaluation of antihypertensives in the inpatient department at the tertiary care hospital. 

Method: It was a prospective observational study carried out at department of medicine, Sri Venkateswara Ramnaraian Ruia (SVRR) Government General Hospital, Tirupati, over a period of 6 months (September 2023 to February 2024). A total 150 patients were included for study and were assessed by patient treatment chart, patient past history, patient laboratory data and patient interview. 

Results: 150 patients of which 57% were males and 43% were females, out of them 62% were prescribed monotherapy antihypertensives, 29% with two-drug therapy, and 9% were prescribed with three-drug therapy. Among that 72% were receiving CCB, 20% with BB, 7% with ARB, and 1% with ACEI. In this investigation, significant variations in the use of various antihypertensive drug groups were found.

Conclusion: These studies provide a general overview of the antihypertensive medicine prescription pattern and rational drug use