Sanoj Varkey, Suchandra Sen
Drug utilization research is an essential part of pharmacoepidemiology as it describes the extent, nature and determinants of drug exposure. Our study was on the prescribing pattern of the corticosteroids in COPD, Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis on Pulmonary Department. The present study aims to answers of the following questions such as how does the use of corticosteroids vary with demographic factors, namely age, sex, socioeconomic status and locality of residence, What are the different types of steroids prescribed, its dose and route of administration, Difference in corticosteroids used in various diseases and How does the use of corticosteroids vary with severity of disease. In the study population we find out that there is a statistically significant relationship exist between age (p<0.007), gender (p<0.016), locality of residence (p<0.023) & socioeconomic status (p<0.016) with the prescribing pattern of corticosteroids. Most common route of administration was dry powder inhaler. Most commonly prescribed drug was Budesonide + Formoterol (78.4%)combination .Budesonide + Formoterol 200 mcg combination was given in 37 prescriptions and 400 mcg was given in 61 prescriptions. In the study population we find out that there is a statistically significant relationship exist between the use of corticosteroids and severity of disease such as COPD (p<0.008) & Asthma (p<0.011). At last through the present study the investigator is able to find a conclusion that the prescription patterns of drugs (corticosteroids) will be vary based on the several factors such as age, sex, socio economic status etc. And there is a difference present in the drug prescriptions based on the severity of the disease conditions In the current practice Dry Powder Inhaler is the most common drug route and the Budesonide + Formoterol is the most common prescribed drug of choices among the physicians.
