A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE DRUG USE PATTERN AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Aiswarya M. B.*, Ahsana M., Shehina S., Mrs. Meppil Baby, Dr. Chitra C. Nair, Dr. Beena P.
ABSTRACT
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by a progressive decline in renal function that necessitates complex pharmacological management. This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India, aimed to evaluate drug use patterns and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among 80 hospitalized CKD patients. The study focused on clinical records and patient interviews for individuals with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≤ 59 ml/min. Analysis of 1,296 prescriptions revealed that cardiovascular drugs were the most frequently utilized therapeutic class (36.4%), followed by gastrointestinal agents (12.1%) and antibiotics (9.0%). Regarding safety profiles, the study identified multiple ADRs, which were predominantly gastrointestinal in nature, including symptoms such as constipation and loose stools. According to the WHO-UMC causality assessment scale, these reactions were categorized as "probable," indicating a likely relationship between the medication and the observed effect despite the underlying disease state. The study concludes that CKD patients are subject to heavy polypharmacy, particularly with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal treatments, which contributes to a notable incidence of adverse reactions. These findings emphasize the necessity for rigorous pharmacovigilance and the integration of clinical pharmacists into the care team to monitor drug therapy and minimize the risk of ADRs in this high-risk population.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Drug use pattern, Adverse drug reaction, Polypharmacy, Medication safety.
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