Patterns of Corticosteroid Prescriptions among Patients at Community Pharmacies in Lahore, Pakistan
Gulzaib Bibi
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Huzaima Shahzadi
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ayesha Nadeem
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muneeba Naveed
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Laraib Abid
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Jawaria Nazeer
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Asfa Iqbal
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Tasmia Munir
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Tahreem Afzaal
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Zarqa Saqib *
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ayesha Zulfiqar Ali
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland and are used to treat many diseases, including autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases. Besides their role in many diseases, long-term use, misuse, and overuse cause side effects including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.
Objective: The aim of current study is to evaluate the prescription pattern of corticosteroids in different community pharmacies, among patients, in Lahore.
Methods: The cross-sectional stratified convenient study performed using a validated questionnaire to analyse the prescription pattern of corticosteroids in patients at different community pharmacies in Lahore. Total 92 patients are participating in this study.
Results: A total of 92 patients take part in the study. In this research 67.4% females are participated. The average age of patients is above 30 years. Asthma is the most common reason for corticosteroids administration (19.6%) followed by rheumatoid arthritis (12.0%) whereas in inflammatory bowel disease they are least prescribed (1.1%). Prednisolone is the most prescribed drug (33.7%) and Oral route is the frequently given route.
Conclusion: Our data shows that the prescription pattern of corticosteroid must be improved. Health care providers should pay attention to counseling of patients and guide them about dose tapering to avoid adverse effects.
Keywords: Corticosteroids, steroid hormones, inflammatory diseases, drug