PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN PATIENTS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the prescription pattern of nutraceuticals in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu which includes identification of commonly prescribed nutraceuticals, analysis of co-prescribed drug classes, identification of major nutraceutical compositions, analysis of patient expenditure on nutraceuticals, and quantification of nutraceutical availability. Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 304 patients from the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital, Nepal. Data on patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, co-prescribed drugs, nutraceutical details, and supplement expenses were collected using a structured questionnaire and form. Patient cards provided the necessary information, which was then analyzed with SPSS-16 and Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of 304 prescriptions analyzed, 64% were prescribed to females and 26% to patients aged 31–45 years. The general medicine department accounted for 44% of nutraceutical prescriptions, with multivitamins being the most common (91%). Tablets were the preferred dosage form 56%, and gastrointestinal disorder medicine was commonly co-prescribed with nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals alone accounted for approximately 52% of the total medicine cost. Conclusion: Nutraceuticals are being continuously used in the treatment of various diseases. The future of nutraceuticals is bright and can transform health care. More studies need to be taken up on the prescription of nutraceuticals in health care.