PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO HYPERTENSION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN NORTH INDIA: A STUDY OF PRESCRIPTION TRENDS AND RATIONALITY

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent health concern, often managed using Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of antihypertensive drugs. Presently many FDCs are present in market without being assessed for safety efficacy and rationality, therefore evaluating the rationality of FDC usage is crucial for ensuring effective treatment and patient safety. Objective: This study aims to assess the rational use of fixed dose combinations in hypertension management at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted between March 2024 to July 2024. In this study a total of 93 outpatients were evaluated for prescribing pattern and rationality of Antihypertensive FDCs. Rationality was assessed using seven-point criteria. Data on patient demographics, prescribed FDCs, efficacy and dosing convenience were collected and analysed. Results: In this study, the prescriptions of 93 patients were analysed to observe 11 different fixed-dose combination antihypertensive agents. Of these patients, 56% were prescribed dual combination therapy. The most frequently prescribed dual combination was Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide (17%), with Telmisartan + Chlorthalidone following at 14%. Analysis of the 11 different FDCs revealed that 18.2% were considered irrational, while 81.8% were deemed rational. Conclusion: The study highlighted the utilization pattern of fixed dose combinations in hypertension management in a tertiary care hospital. Dual combination therapies, with Telmisartan as a common component, were frequently prescribed. Although FDCs were rational in most cases but irrational FDCs were also prescribed. The findings emphasized the importance of adherence to evidence-based guidelines to ensure rational and effective hypertension management.