Drug Prescription Pattern in Osteoarthritis in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Drug prescribing studies aim to provide feedback to the prescriber and to create awareness among them about rational use of medicines. The primary aim of drug utilization research is to facilitate the rational use of drugs in patients. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease and the leading cause of pain in elderly people. The aim of the study was to study the prescription pattern of drugs used in the management of osteoarthritis. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for period of 12 months in collaboration with the department of Orthopaedics. A total of 300 patients enrolled in the present study with fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients’ data was recorded in case report form and analysed to study the prescription pattern. Results: Out of the total 300 patients enrolled in this study, Osteoarthritis was found to be more common in females. In our study 58.3% of patients were females as compared to 41.7 % of male patients. Patients of age group 46-60 years (60%) were most commonly affected followed by 61-75 years (30.3%). Etoricoxib was the most commonly used NSAID in 28.3% of patients followed by Aceclofenac in 18%, combination of Aceclofenac and Paracetamol in 15.6% & combination of Tramadol and Paracetamol in 8.3% of patients. Conclusions: In our study it is seen that osteoarthritis affects females more often than males and the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint. Etoricoxib was the most prescribed drug because of good gastrointestinal tolerance.