Drug prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids in dermatology unit of a tertiary-care hospital -

Background: Considering the economic burden of the skin disease treatment and because of its high disease prevalence, it is important to study the drug prescribing patterns of skin diseases. The data pertaining to drug usage patterns of topical corticosteroids in skin conditions are particularly lacking. Objective: To study the demographic details and drug prescription pattern in patients with skin diseases who were on topical corticosteroids. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Dermatology Department, Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Meeyannoor, Kollam, Kerala, India, for 6 months. The patients with skin diseases who were on topical corticosteroids were included. The data were collected prospectively by direct observation in a specially designed pro forma containing relevant detail such as demographic, disease, and drug data. The data were analyzed as counts and percentages. Result: The patients were of age < 20 years (33%) and 21–40 years (30%), with female subjects (62%) being the majority; patients from rural area (62%) were commonly affected. The most common skin conditions encountered were dermatitis (47%) and psoriasis (14%). The most common topical corticosteroid prescribed was clobetasol propionate (60%). Many of the topical corticosteroids were prescribed in fixed dose combination (42%). Majority of the topical corticosteroids prescribed were of very potent (73%) and potent (14%). Average drug per prescription was 3.6. In prescriptions, 57% were specified using generic names. None of them were specified with either strength or quantity. Only 21% were specified with area of application, 25% with route of administration, and 23% with frequency of administration. Conclusion: There is a need to put more emphasis on rational and complete prescribing of drugs for skin diseases.