ABSTRACT
The medical care costs for procedure, medication and testing associated with stroke in India are high and are projected markedly in the future as the number of Indians affected grows. The burden on patients’ quality of life, healthcare systems and society are pharmacoeconomic considerations in managing stroke. The objective of this study was to analyse and evaluate the medical, social and economic outcomes of the drug therapy and observe the prescribing attitude of physician in stroke patients. We collected data from 158 cases of stroke patients on the basis of age, gender, social habits. This hospital is a 1200 bedded government hospital provided Out patient / Inpatient care for Indian citizens free of charge. A total of 158 prescriptions were collected and the average number of drugs prescribed were 18.91% generics and 99.20% essential drugs. The most predominant age group was found to be 61-70 yrs. Among all patients 67.08% were male and 32.9% were female. Drug utilization was evaluated in all patients with stroke. Mannitol 69.62%, Neuroprotective drugs 63.92%, Antimicrobials 70.25%, Neurostimulants 0%, Anti-lipidaemic agents 35.44%, Multivitamins 3.79%, Antacids 89.87%, Aspirin 64.55%, Anti-hypertensives 37.97%, Hypoglycaemic agents 13.29%, Anti-platelets 5.06%, Thrombolytics 1.89%, Anti-coagulants 0.63% were prescribed. Our article suggests that, incidence of polypharmacy was very low. Patients using neuro-protective drugs are high. Appropriate prescribing may prevent the cost effectiveness, outcome from the drug therapy and may decrease the disability and mortality. Further research is needed to understand the neuro-stimulant prescribing in stroke patients, so that effective interventions can be design and implement in future.
 

Keywords : Stroke; Drugs; Age; Gender; and Polypharmacy.