Study on Management and Assessment of Drug-Related Problems in Stroke Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the drugs prescribed for the management of stroke and to analyze the drug-related problems (DRPs) in stroke patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in75 stroke patients for a period of six months in Vivekanandha Medical Care Hospital, Elayampalayam, Tamil Nadu, India. The drugs prescribed were analyzed and DRPs such as drug interactions (Lexicomp, Micromedex), adverse drug reactions (Naranjo scale) and medication errors (NCC MERP) were identified. Results: For ischemic stroke, combination of aspirin + clopidogrel (68.2%) and piracetam (52.3%) were widely prescribed. In hemorrhagic stroke patients, calcium channel blockers (91.6%) were widely prescribed followed by diuretics (58.3%). Polypharmacy (78.6 %), drug-drug interactions (79.8 %), medication errors (9.2%) and adverse drug reactions (6.65%) were identified. Conclusion: Providing clinical pharmacy practice services can improve therapeutic management and reduce the potential DRPs in stroke patients.

Keywords: stroke, management, drug-related problems (DRPs)