“Topical corticosteroids prescription trends in dermatology outpatient unit of a Tertiary Care Research Institute Hospital, South India”

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Original Article

Author Details : Mahindrakar MB, Doddarangaiah R. Shivanand

Volume : 2, Issue : 1, Year : 2016

Article Page : 8-11

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Abstract

Background: Reviewing prescription orders forms is an important part of improving standards of medical treatment. It not only shows us the epidemiology of diseases but also throws light on the rationality of use of drugs for treatment of medical diseases. This study was conducted to gain knowledge into the prescriptions pattern of topical corticosteroids in dermatology outpatient unit of a tertiary care research institute hospital, South India.
Objectives: The objectives of this study was to study the demographic details of patients, the drug prescription trends and drug utilization in patients with skin disease who are on topical corticosteroids.
Methods: The study was a prospective observational study conducted in dermatology department of Shri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka for a period of 2 years. Patients were taken for the study after obtaining consent from patients with a skin disease requiring topical corticosteroids on an outpatient basis. Data was collected in a specially designed proforma containing demographic data of patients, diagnosis and drug data. The data was recorded, tabulated and analyzed in percentages.
Results: A total of 1260 prescriptions were analyzed. Among a wide range of age groups, patients belonging to age group of 21-30 were highest. It was found out that prevalence of psoriasis was highest followed closely by polymorphic light eruptions. A total of 2150 drugs were prescribed with a mean of around 2 drugs per prescription. Of the 2150 drugs, 840 were antihistamines and rest were either a plain topical steroid or a combination of corticosteroid with and antibacterial or antifungal. Of the 840 antihistaminics that were prescribed, hydroxizine was prescribed most commonly and of the 1310 topical corticosteroids, combination of cobetasol and salicylic acid was commonly prescribed.
Conclusion: Periodic prescription audit is a must and an essential tool for improving standards of medical treatment.

Keywords: Prescription trends, Topical corticosteroids, Potent steroids

How to cite : Mahindrakar Mb, Shivanand D R, “Topical corticosteroids prescription trends in dermatology outpatient unit of a Tertiary Care Research Institute Hospital, South India”. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol 2016;2(1):8-11

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