Backgroun: Utilization of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasing continuously throughout the world. andAnd with this, their use has been extended to pathologies for which they are not indicated. Though PPIs are being widely marketed In Nepal, there is a paucity of data addressing the utilization pattern of PPIs. This study was conducted to assess the prescribing pattern of PPIs among medical outpatients in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of prescriptions containing PPIs, issued for medical outpatients, was conducted from 25th July to 10th September of 2016. A total of 419 samples were obtained using a purposive convenience sampling technique.
Result: Out of 419 patients prescribed with PPIs, 58.95% were female. The mean age of patients on PPIs was 41.99 years, and patients of age less than 30 years were receiving the prescription for PPIs mostly. In 33.65% of patients, PPIs were prescribed to treat APD whereas 30.79% of patients were receiving PPIs as prophylaxis against NSAIDs while 10.98% of patients PPIs were prescribed for relieving symptoms related to APD and 24.58% prescriptions were for patients with other conditions. Pantoprazole was the most frequently prescribed PPI (57.04% of patients). The majority of patients (68.26%) were prescribed PPIs for twice-daily administration. Of the 419 patients, 21.72% of patients were presented with at least one additional medical condition, and 99% of patients were receiving at least one additional drug along with PPIs.
Conclusion: The use of PPIs has been extended to other conditions not requiring acid ant- secretoryantisecretory therapy. There should be an interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacists and medical professionals for rational use of Proton Pump Inhibitors, and the prescribing of PPI from the National List of Essential Medicines should also be promoted.