A Study on Drug Utilization Pattern of Antihypertensive Drugs in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Both hypertension and diabetes mellitus encompass a major chunk of the disease burden in the world. Co-existence of hypertension with diabetes escalates the further development of associated complications. Treatment of hypertension, therefore, would prevent progression of diabetes itself or vice-versa. This study aims to describe the utilization pattern of antihypertensive drugs in diabetic individuals. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study carried out in the department of Medicine of a tertiary care teaching hospital of upper Assam over one year. Diabetic hypertensive patients visiting the department of Medicine were included in the study. Prescriptions, outpatient and inpatient records were the study materials. The assessment tools used were WHO Core indicators, index system for comprehensive appraisal of medical care, index of rational drug prescribing. Conclusion: Majority of patients (78.1%) were above 44 years. Of the 104 patients, 54% were male and 46% were female. Average number of drugs per prescription was 4.3. The most prescribed antihypertensive drug was telmisartan followed by the combination of telmisartan and amlodipine. Among the 68 patients prescribed monotherapy, ARB (Angiotensin receptor blocker) was highest prescribed. ARB and CCB (calcium channel blocker) the most frequent polytherapy. As monotherapy CCB was most prescribed to patients without complications while ARB to those with complications. Rational utilization of drugs were observed. The antihypertensive drugs were prescribed at par with the existing guidelines.