Utilization of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs among Physicians in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility
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Date
2018-10
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Fon Scientia Publications
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medications used to relieve pain, fever and
inflammation. Serious toxicity related to Gastro intestinal tract, kidney, dermatological and
spontaneous abortion during early pregnancy are of serious concern in their use. The study was
to evaluate the utilization of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among prescribers at Genaral
Outpatient Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Retrospective study of 1297
patient prescription sheets was carried out at General Outpatient Department of the University
of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for a period of six months to evaluate prescribing pattern of
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by Physicians. Data obtained were analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Science. Data were presented in the form of text, frequency tables,
bar chart and pie chart. Inferential statistics was done using logistic regression and chi square.
Out of 1497 prescription sheets studied, 1297 prescriptions contained Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs, giving prescribing rate of 86.6%. About 7.3% of prescriptions contained
more than one Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The percentage of generic prescribing was
found to be 45%. About 17% of the prescribed Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were of
long time use with only 0.04% co- prescribed with gastro-protective agent, omeprazole or
misoprostol. Diclofenac tablet was the most prescribed Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
with 42.2% prescribing rate followed by aspirin (19.8%) and ibuprofen (17.7%). There was no
significant difference in duration of prescribed NSAIDs and number of prescribed medicines per
prescription in relation to patient’s gender status. The prescribing rate of Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs was high with associated multiple NSAIDs use. Diclofenac tablet was the
most widely prescribed. Co-prescribing of Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with gastroprotective
agents was found to be very low.
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Keywords
NSAIDs, prescribing pattern, diclofenac, utilization, Ilorin
Citation
Jamiu M.O., Giwa A. (2018). Utilization of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs among Physicians in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility. Fos Scientia Journal of Pharmacy .Research, 8(4);1-8,