Assessment of Drug Utilization Pattern of Stroke Patients in Neurology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Appropriate use of drug is an eventual component in the quality of health facility and medicine careprovided to patients. Stroke is the second leading cause of death and irrational use of drug is one of the most importantcauses of this global burden. Therefore, regular monitoring of prescribing pattern of stroke management is veryessential to provide appropriate therapy. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the extent of drug usepattern in neurology department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectionalstudy was carried out among 639 purposively taking indoor patients in neurology department of Dhaka MedicalCollege from July 2021 to June 2022. All data were evaluated by WHO /INRUD core drug use indicators and analyzedby spss 2016. Result: out of 639 patients male 433 (67.76%) is prominent, ischemic stroke 399 (62.44%) is higherthan hemorrhagic stroke and 61-80 years 279 (43.66%) is predominant age group. 100% polypharmacy is observedhere, maximum drugs are prescribed in trade name 69.88%, 38.70% encounters contain injection and 43.82% drugsare prescribed from essential drug list. Omeprazole 639 (100%) is the most commonly prescribed drug followed byantibiotic 502 (78.56%). Conclusion: According to the study findings it can be stated that the incidence of ischemicstroke is prominent and male are more affected. The extent of polypharmacy is very high. Maximum drugs areprescribed in trade name. Over use of antibiotic is observed here. Omeprazole is the most commonly prescribed drug.Irrational use of drug therapy is remarkable.