Prescribing Pattern of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Dhaka City

Abstract

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed and used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Though this type of drug contains many side effects, these are widely used. This study aimed to assess the prescribing pattern of NSAIDs in Dhaka city. Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive) study was carried out in Dhaka City from July 2002 to June 2003 (1 year). The sample size of this study was 608. Result: In this study, among 608 prescriptions, MBBS doctors prescribed 63.8%. Most of the study people (71.4%) were in the age group of 15-45 years. In this study, the majority (59.7%) were prescribed for males. The chief complaint/clinical diagnosis was mentioned as fever (20.1%). In this study, the commonest prescribed NSAIDs were paracetamol (42.1), diclofenac sodium (21.9%); ibuprofen (10.4%); naproxen (5.9%); aspirin (1.6%), and other NSAIDs (18.1%) were prescribed respectively. NSAIDs were mentioned in generic names (4.9%) and trade names (95.1.%) of total prescriptions respectively. In this study, the commonest prescribed dosage from NSAIDs were tablet/capsule (83.7%); syrup (9.0%); suppository (3.0%); injection (2.0%); suspension (1.8%); topical application (0.5%) were prescribed respectively. Conclusion: The patients usually consulted with an MBBS doctor. The chief complaint/clinical diagnosis for which patients were prescribed NSAID is fever. The commonest prescribed NSAID is paracetamol. NSAIDs are mentioned in trade names in most cases. The commonest prescribed dosage from NSAIDs is tablet/capsule.