Objective:
To assess the rationale use of benzodiazepines amon
g various departments in a multi-speciality hospita
l.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted with a sample siz
e of 200 for a period of six months. Data was colle
cted from patients based on
inclusion and exclusion criteria. Naranjo Adverse D
rug Reaction Probability Scale and Drug Interaction
Probability Scale (DIPS) were used as a
study tool to measure the causality of adverse drug
reactions and drug interactions. Based on the dosa
ge of various benzodiazepines DDD was
calculated and compared with WHO Anatomical Therapeu
tic Chemical (ATC) classification Defined Daily Dos
e (DDD).
Results:
BZD’s were mostly prescribed in males (74.5%) and m
arried patients (86.5%) were more exposed to benzod
iazepines compared to others.
Lorazepam (70.1%) was found to be the most commonly
used drug, mainly prescribed for sedation, followe
d by anxiety. DDD was calculated and
majority of patients had DDD in accordance with WHO
standard. Based on cost analysis, Clobazam was fou
nd to be the high cost and Lorazepam
being the low-cost drug. The results of drug utiliz
ation evaluation of benzodiazepines study were comp
iled and reported to the respected
department physician and their feedback was collect
ed.
Conclusion:
The study showed a rational utilization of benzodia
zepines and the negative outcomes of BZDs can be re
duced by providing drug-
related information to the prescribers and consumer
s.