UTILIZATION PATTERNS OF BLOOD THINNING AGENTS IN ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS
Sanjay Sreekumar K., Besty Elizabeth Babu*, Jitha Jacob, Shahala and Dr. G. Babu
ABSTRACT
Background: The population based estimates confirm a rising trend in both incidence and prevalence of stroke in worldwide. Certain problems in drug use patterns have been reported, hence patients taking multiple drugs for many comorbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes etc.Objective: The study aimed on the prevalence of various comorbidties in stroke patients and evaluate drug utilization pattern in post stroke patients and compare prescription in accord with American Stroke Association (ASA) guideline to achieve rational drug use and also assess the influence of patient life style in developing stroke. Methods:Prospective cross sectional study was carried out assessing 150 inpatients diagnosed with ischemic stroke.Results: Various comorbidities in stroke patients are analyzed and hypertension was found to be more common comorbid condition. Prescription pattern of blood thinning agents in ischemic stroke patients was studied and the drugs like antiplatelet, anticoagulant, thrombolytic were prescribed, among this antiplatelet was most commonly prescribed drug. Aspirin and clopidogrel is commonly prescribed for the condition and the double antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin + clopidogrel) had a lower risk of haemorrhage compared with aspirin alone. Conclusion: The double antiplatelet therapy efficacious in preventing the ischemic events. The prescribing pattern of drugs should be based on specificity of the condition and severity of stroke in order to facilitate rational use of drugs providing optimal care.
Keywords: Stroke, hypertension, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, aspirin, clopidogrel.
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