Drug utilisation pattern in sexually transmitted diseases and its economic considerations--a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES

WHO regularly revises guidelines for the treatment of these. There are very few studies reported on the drug utilization pattern of STD's in India.

METHODS

In the present study, 325 patients attending the STD clinic of Lok Nayak Hospital were analysed over a period of six months.

RESULTS

The demographic pattern of the patients was similar to those of studies reported earlier. Syphilis was the commonest of the STD's encountered; followed by viral STD's (c. acuminata and herpes progenitalis); gonorrhoea; chancroid and genital candidiasis. Out of a total of 409 drugs prescribed, the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.25. Sixty seven percent of the drugs were available in essential drug list of the hospital and 60% were prescribed in generic name. Ninety seven percent of the prescriptions were in accordance with WHO treatment guidelines. The cost of the drug treatment was comparable for c.acuminata, syphilis and chancroid while it was less for herpes progenitalis (HPG) due to acyclovir not being prescribed. However, it was more for gonorrhoea and candidiasis because of additional drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows a trend towards rational prescribing. It would be interesting to compare the results with a non teaching hospital.