DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

The aim of the study is drug utilization evaluation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in a tertiary care hospital. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prescribing pattern of drug used in chronic kidney disease, to assess medication adherence to treatment, to assess major drug interactions. A prospective and hospitalbased study was conducted on in – patients admitted in tertiary care teaching hospital. Data regarding patient’s demographic details, diagnosis, complete prescription, and any other information will be collected in a predesigned pro forma. The study included 150 patients , among them 88 males and 62 were females . Among the study population majority of patients were in the age group 41-60years 65 (43.3%) . Among all medications the major class of drugs prescribed were cardiovascular drugs followed by vitamins and minerals (20.9 %). Out of 1053 drugs prescribed,582 drug interactions were identified and 119 (20.4 %) drugs shows major drug interactions, 459(78.8%) and 146(97.3%)prescription shows polypharmacy.The present study concluded that one of the most critical elements in patients with CKD is the use of polypharmacy to treat a variety of co-morbid illnesses. The failure of pharmacological therapy and an extension of the hospital stay can both be caused by polypharmacy, which can predispose to drug interactions. However, this risk can be reduced and patient care can be enhanced with the active involvement of clinical pharmacists in clinical activities.