DRUG UTILIZATION STUDY OF ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, BAREILLY, UP-INDIA

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug utilization pattern in patients of asthma in pediatric age group. The study also included monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADR) caused by antiasthmatic drugs. Subjects & Methods: This observational study was carried out in Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, a tertiary care teaching hospital, Bareilly, UP from Feb to Apr, 2013. 250 patients of asthma attending OPD & admitted patients were enrolled in the study. The data collected from parents or care givers was analyzed for prescription patterns & development of immediate adverse drug reactions caused by antiasthma drugs. Results: All the patients of exacerbation irrespective of severity received inhalational short acting β2 agonist (salbutamol). Ipratropium bromide nebulization was given to all patients of severe exacerbation but its use gradually decreased in moderate (91.66%) & mild (71.87%). Steroid injections were given to all patients of severe but less in moderate (95.83%) & mild (56.25%) exacerbation. Aminophylline injection was used in all cases of severe & only 16.66% of moderate exacerbation. Persistent asthma of all categories being treated mainly by inhalational corticosteroids & children within age group 0-4 years were solely treated by this. In moderate persistent asthma, long acting β2 agonist (formeterol, salmeterol) was main drug to be used, very commonly in combination with corticosteroids (77.61%). Montelukast was used as an adjuvant therapy. 17.2% patients showed 14 ADRs. According to Naranjo’s probability scale, 57.14% were possible, 35.71% probable & 7.13% as definite ADRs. Salbutamol was found to be commonest drug associated with ADR & montelukast least associated. Conclusion: Practitioners are adhering to guidelines given by National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). More emphasis should be given on prescribing the drug by generic name.