Comparative analysis and evaluation of current antidiarrheal prescribing trends with representative brand in pediatric population of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common among the Background: Inappropriate management of diarrhea is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide, more especially in developing countries including Pakistan.

Method: The sample size was calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) info calculator. 240 prescriptions were collected from eight hospitals including four public hospitals (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital, Holy family Hospital and Benazir Hospital) and four private hospitals (Hearts International Hospital, Maroof Hospital, Railway hospital, Bilal Hospital) of twin cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze current prescribing trends of diarrheal management followed by comparative pharmaceutical evaluation of representative brands Parameters recorded from prescriptions were demographics (age and gender), presenting complaints and medications prescribed. Prescriptions were evaluated by their comparison with standard treatment guidelines. Results: Data were evaluated using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 16.0) for descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations along with Chi square test. Diarrhea was presenting complaint in 106 (44%) of peads among age group 0-2 years. Out of 106 (44%) cases of diarrhea, 52 (20%) cases have prescribed an antibiotic in combination with other medications, which was not indicated according to standard guidelines. The use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) was also limited. Zinc supplementation with ORS is indicated treatment for diarrhea and was prescribed to 21 (9%) cases. Conclusion: Hence, it has been concluded that standard treatment guidelines were not followed thoroughly which leads to increased morbidity, complications and cost.