TO EVALUATE THE PREVALENCE OF ANTISECRETORY MEDICATION USE AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN SURGERY WARD

Abstract

Antisecretory medicines are often administered to patients in hospitals. However, there is currently limited knowledge on the comprehensive utilization of these treatments in the hospital environment.

Aim: To assess the suitability of Antisecretory  treatment in a major educational medical facility in western India, and the consequences of hospital prescriptions in primary care.

Methods: The administration of antisecretory drugs was observed for a duration of one month in adult patients who were sequentially admitted to K.J Somaiya Medical College and Hospital. This was done by examining their medical records.

Results: Out of the 800 patients that were admitted to the hospital, 46.8% of them were prescribed Antisecretory treatment. Ranitidine had the highest usage rate at 44.4%, followed by pantoprazole at 31.8% and omeprazole at 23.0%. Stress ulcer prophylaxis and prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcer were the reasons for usage in 60.4% of cases. In all, 68% of prescriptions were deemed inappropriate based on consensus evaluation. Among patients who received unneeded preventive medication during their hospital stay, 56.4% were released while still on therapy, and 46% continued to receive the treatment three months later.

Conclusions: There is excessive utilization of Antisecretory medications in patients who are admitted to the hospital. The majority of incorrect hospital prescriptions are to the administration of ulcer prevention in patients who have a low risk of developing ulcers. This over utilization may also encourage improper medication usage in the field of general medicine.