European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PRESCRIPTION PATTERN AND COST OF ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE AGENTS IN AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN A NIGERIA TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Mgbahurike A. Amaka* and Ikhayeremeoh Ajonode Jude

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure or arterial hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. There is an enormous financial burden associated with the disease which leads to cost –related non adherence. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prescribing pattern and cost of prescription for treatment of hypertension in an out-patient clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Method: A retrospective study was carried out on 270 randomly selected patients who attended the Cardiology Clinic of UPTH between January 2021 and June 2021. Information extracted from the patients’ folder include: demographic data (age, gender, social status); recorded blood pressure values; names of drugs prescribed (generic and brand products); mono -therapy, poly-therapy; or fixed dose combination; Costs of the drug products were further obtained from the Pharmacy Unit. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and significant value was taken at p<0.05. Result: 270 prescriptions were randomly obtained. 112(41.5%) were for male patients and 158(58.5%) were female, with a total of 546 anti hypertensive drugs in the prescriptions. Most 94(34.8%) patients were within the ages of 56 - 65yrs. Majority 180(66.7%) were married, while most (26.7%) were house wives, with 49(18.2%) retired. Most, 192 (71.1%%) prescription were multi therapy and 334(61.2%) were prescribed in generic names. The most prescribed class of anti hypertensive was the calcium channel blocker followed by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). The least prescribed was the vasodilators. The combination therapy was mainly angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker. Conclusion: The study showed a close compliance with standard guidelines with respect to JNC-7 and International Society of Hypertension in Blacks. However, the cost per prescription is high relative to the Nation’s per capital income and minimum wage. The use of triple combination was not very frequent.

Keywords: Prescribing Pattern, Anti hypertensives, Costs, Tertiary Hospital.