Analysis of outpatient consumption of propulsives in Ukraine compared with Norway and the Baltic states

Disorders involving impaired gastrointestinal peristalsis are widely prevalent both globally and in Ukraine. Propulsives drugs, which enhance the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent antiperistaltic contractions of the intestinal smooth muscle, are used in the treatment of such conditions. This study aimed to assess the outpatient consumption of medicinal products classified under group A03F propulsives in Ukraine between 2020 and 2022, in comparison with published data on the use of the same drug group in Norway, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Consumption volumes were determined using the ATC/DDD methodology and expressed in DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DIDs). The results were compared with corresponding published statistical data from Norway and the Baltic countries. The findings indicated that the consumption of medicines in group A03F ranged from 0.98 to 1.21 DIDs over the study period, with a decrease observed in 2022. Ukraine differed only slightly from Norway and the Baltic states in terms of the consumption levels of these medicines. The leading position in the consumption of A03F group medicines varied by year: in 2020 – Norway; in 2021 – both Ukraine and Norway; and in 2022 – Lithuania. The lowest consumption volumes were recorded in Estonia. During the study period, domperidone was the most commonly used propulsives in Ukraine, while metoclopramide was most widely used in Norway and the Baltic countries. A comparative assessment of approaches to the use of propulsives in these countries was conducted. The findings may be used to determine the level of access in Ukraine to essential medicines for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders and to support decision-making by healthcare authorities regarding regulatory measures