Study On Drug Utilization Patterns And Adverse Drug Reactions (Adrs) Severity Associated With Antiasthmatic Therapy

Abstract

Background

Asthma is a chronic airway disorder causing recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough, often requiring long-term pharmacotherapy. Antiasthmatic agents such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and biologics are prescribed alone or in combination based on disease severity. While rational prescribing ensures better control, inappropriate patterns may lead to poor outcomes and higher healthcare burden.

Despite their effectiveness, antiasthmatic drugs can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) ranging from mild effects like tremors and oral thrush to severe complications including cardiovascular events and corticosteroid toxicity. Monitoring ADRs and their severity is vital for patient safety and adherence.

Drug utilization studies, when combined with pharmacovigilance provide insights into prescription trends, rationality, and ADR severity, thereby supporting safer therapeutic decisions. The present study evaluates prescribing patterns of antiasthmatic agents and assesses the severity of associated ADRs to promote rational drug use and improved patient care.

Aim

To evaluate the prescribing patterns of antiasthmatic agents and assess the severity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with their use.

Objectives

1. To evaluate the prescribing patterns of antiasthmatic agents in asthma management.
2. To assess and categorize the severity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with antiasthmatic therapy.

Material and Methods

150 patients were enrolled for evaluating adverse effects with antiasthmatic drugs. All patients were followed up by medical history, history of drugs, and any severity of ADR. The study was assessing the distribution, prescribing pattern the management of ADRs. Also, the study determined the severity of ADRs with antiasthmatic agents in pulmonary medicine departments in tertiary care teaching hospitals.

Results and observations

In 150 patients (mean age 47.6 years), β2-agonists were most prescribed (44.6%), followed by methylxanthines (20.6%), corticosteroids (18%), and anticholinergics (9.3%).

ADRs were most frequent with β2-agonists, including tremors (27.2%), sleepiness (36.3%), and headache (36.3%). Corticosteroids caused mouth ulcers (14.2%), epigastric pain, vomiting, and acne (21.4% each). Anticholinergics produced dry mouth (25%) and constipation (75%), while methylxanthines were associated with insomnia (33.3%), headache (66.6%), and nausea (22.2%).

Conclusion

The study highlights that β2-agonists were the most frequently prescribed antiasthmatic agents and also accounted for the majority of adverse drug reactions, followed by methylxanthines, corticosteroids, and anticholinergics. While most ADRs were mild to moderate in nature, their occurrence emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and rational prescribing. Regular assessment of prescription patterns and ADR severity can improve patient safety, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and promote rational use of antiasthmatic drugs in clinical practice.