Usage pattern of gastroprotective agents among patients prescribed with NSAIDS in orthopedics department

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroprotective agents are prescribed in the department of orthopaedics to prevent and to treat gastric toxicity due to analgesics including NSAIDs. Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the prescribing pattern of gastroprotective agents among patients prescribed with NSAIDs in the department of orthopaedics and to identify the most common gastroprotective agent co-administered. The study also aims to estimate the average cost of gastroprotective agents. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for six months among 370 inpatients of the orthopaedics department. Relevant details on the usage pattern of gastroprotective agents were collected from the case sheets of the patients and were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 370 subjects enrolled, 257 (69.5%) were males and 113 (30.5%) were females. The most frequently prescribed single NSAID agent was diclofenac 82 (71.3%) and the fixed-dose combination was found to be diclofenac + chymotrypsin 88 (32.1%). Among the various proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists prescribed, pantoprazole was found to be the most commonly prescribed agent 205 (61.4%), followed by rabeprazole 96 (28.7%). The average cost spent by a patient on the gastroprotective agent during their hospital stay was found to be 65.85±52.45 INR. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the majority of patients were prescribed with gastroprotective agents along with NSAIDs. The present study provides an insight into various healthcare professionals on the importance of rational use of medications among subjects.