Prescription Pattern and Adverse Drug Reactions of Antihypertensive Drugs in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Rational prescribing of antihypertensive drugs is crucial to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Aims & objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs and assess the prevalence and nature of ADRs in hypertensive patients at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the medicine unit of a tertiary hospital. Data on demographics, prescribed antihypertensive medications, drug combinations, and any reported ADRs were collected from 500 hypertensive patients. ADRs were documented, analyzed for causality, severity, and preventability.

Results: Among 500 patients, the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug class was calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (40%), followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (25%), beta-blockers (20%), diuretics (10%), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (5%). Monotherapy was prescribed in 45% of patients while 55% received combination therapy. ADRs were reported in 12% of patients, with dizziness (30%), cough (25%), and peripheral edema (15%) being the most frequent. Most ADRs were mild to moderate and managed by dose adjustments or drug substitution.

Conclusion: Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive agents in this tertiary hospital. ADRs were relatively common but mostly mild. Regular monitoring and rational prescribing practices can help reduce the burden of ADRs and improve hypertension management.

Keywords: Prescription Pattern, Adverse Drug Reactions, Antihypertensive Drugs