Drug Utilization Pattern for Conjunctivitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of drug utilization pattern of conjunctivitis is an important activity that promotes the rationale use of drugs. Thus, the aim of the study is to understand the drug use pattern for conjunctivitis in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the out-patient department of Ophthalmology of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from October 2021 to September 2022. Patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis irrespective of age and gender were included in the study. A structured proforma was designed that contained the demographic profile of participants, types of conjunctivitis and different drugs used in conjunctivitis. Data were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: A total of 385 patients were enrolled in the study. Conjunctivitis was more common in male (55.8%). Viral conjunctivitis was the most common (49.8%). A total of 745 drugs were used. Average number of drugs per prescription was 1.9. The most commonly prescribed drugs were topical antibiotics (40.9%) followed by tear drops (27.5%). Ciprofloxacin (36.1%) was the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotic. Conclusions: Topical antibiotics were commonly used in most cases of conjunctivitis. Among topical antibiotics, ciprofloxacin was commonly prescribed.

Keywords

• Conjunctivitis
• Drug utilization
• Ophthalmology
• Out-patient