Antiplatelet Agents Utilization Pattern and Assessment of Patient Specific Drug use Problems among Cardiac Patient

Abstract

Background: Antiplatelet agents reduce the occurrence of the cardiovascular issue in people with established cardiovascular disease. Objective: To understand the pattern of Antiplatelet drug utilization among cardiovascular disease patients. To evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy and responsible factors like age, gender, co-morbid condition, and patient-related drug use problems. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study. Patients with cardiovascular disease above 18 years of age were prescribed antiplatelet agents from the department of cardiology and ICCU were enrolled in the study. Result: A total of 150 patients were enrolled of which male 79% (N=119) and female 21% (N=31). Most patients belong to 51-60 years of age groups. The patients diagnosed with IWMI (inferior wall myocardial infarction) 43.3% (N=65) have highly prescribed antiplatelet agents. Smoking 54.7% (N=82) followed by Alcohol 26.7% (N=40) found to be the most dominant risk factors.60.7% (N=91) patients had no comorbidity followed by 31.3% (N=47) had a comorbid cardiac condition. Most prescribed antiplatelet agents were monotherapy of Aspirin 28.8% (N=43), Clopidogrel 16.7% (N=25), and combination therapy of both 51.2% (N=82). Conclusion: The study concluded that increases in the number of co-morbidities can significantly increase the Utilization of drugs which can further lead to drug use problems. The clinical pharmacist can help to alleviate the problems of polypharmacy and its consequence.