Prospective and Observational Study to Evaluate Prescription Pattern of Beta Blockers in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bihar

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) is an ongoing, authorized and systematic quality improvement process. It is designed to review drug use and promote appropriate drug use through interventions. In cardiac disease conditions, beta blockers are most one of the prescribed classes of cardio vascular medications reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiac disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the prescribing pattern of beta blockers use. A prospective, observational study was carried out in inpatients of general medicine, and surgical departments of tertiary care hospital. Structurally designed proforma was used to collect patient data such as demographics, medical history, and treatment. The data was then analysed using

Microsoft Excel and evaluated. A total of 210 patients have been identified who were prescribed with beta blockers among which females accounted for 50.95% while males for 49.95%. Average length of hospital stay was 6 days. The most common diagnoses were Hypertension (61.9%), and Diabetes mellitus (34.76%). Beta blockers were mostly prescribed among the age group 50–69 years (50%) and the widely prescribed was metoprolol (39.52%). The other anti-hypertensive drugs concurrently prescribed with beta blockers included diuretics (50.95%). Major drug interactions were found in 9.95% only. Beta blockers were most commonly prescribed drug including Metoprolol followed by atenolol. It is highly necessary for the clinical pharmacist and physicians to review and clinically check all prescriptions presented at the OPDs and wards to check appropriate dose, frequency, drug interactions etc.