Study of prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids in dermatology out patients department in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Topical corticosteroids have been used as the mainstay of treatment in many inflammatory and autoimmune dermatological conditions like psoriasis, lichen plannus, SLE etc. Keeping a constant watch on the rationality of these prescriptions is needed due to many known side effects of long term use of steroids and the high prevalence of such conditions with economical burden. The data pertaining to topical corticosteroids usage patterns in skin conditions are particularly lacking. Objective: This study aims to evaluate and analyze the prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids among dermatology outpatients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Dermatology outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, India for 3 months in patients prescribed with topical corticosteroids. The collected data were analyzed and results are expressed using descriptive statistics. Result: A total of 200  prescriptions were analyzed, among which males and females were 43% and 57% respectively .The common indications for topical steroids were eczema (13.5%) followed by psoriasis vulgaris (12%). Clobetasol propionate was prescribed in 34.5% followed by mometasone furoate (24 %), betamethasone dipropionate (18%) and halobetasol (11%). Cream formulation was prescribed in 44.5%. Average drug per prescription was 3.5. 54% were prescribed drugs in generic names, but specification of strength and quantity were lacking. Instructions regarding usage were specified in 48% for area of application, 61.5% for route of administration, and 92% for frequency of administration. Conclusion: Periodical analysis of prescriptions for a year with an emphasis on rational prescription with proper instructions to be followed for a good and quick therapeutic outcome which can reduce the economical and mental stress to the patients.