Pharmacoutilization of antihypertensive drugs: a model of analysis

• DOI: 10.5414/cpp39251
• Publication Date: 2011-03-25T08:35:37Z
• Authors: E. Degli Esposti; A. Sturani; L. Degli Esposti; P.L. Macini; P. Falasca; G. Valpiani; S. Buda
• Keywords: Atenolol; Discontinuation; Amlodipine; Defined daily dose

To identify clinical and economic indicators of pharmacoutilization antihypertensive drugs.4614 subjects receiving a first prescription for amlodipine, atenolol, fosinopril, indapamide, or losartan were included in the study. All prescriptions filled during study period from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1998 considered. A retrospective analysis was carried out on information recorded drug database. The percentage patients continuing, discontinuing, switching initial treatment, duration doses used calculated together with total costs.A large proportion (65.1%) discontinued treatment. From mean daily dose taken by who continued it found that many took dosage which below therapeutic range, whereas administration above range occurred only occasionally. Continuation treatment accounted 48.1% costs, 20.8%, discontinuation represented 31.1% expenditures.With adequate markers, helpful data can be collected monitoring quality rational usage resources general practice setting.