Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) of Captopril in Two Coronary Care Units (CCU) of Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran

Background: Captopril is one of the most important medicines prescribed for managing cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, its appropriate prescription, dosage, and other drug-related factors of captopril have indispensable importance in the management of cardiovascular disorders.Objectives: Performing a drug utilization evaluation (DUE) study on captopril would provide a strategy for optimizing captopril use and an insight into aspects of drug use and prescribing such as the pattern of use, quality, and outcomes.Methods: This prospective observational survey was conducted in coronary care unit wards of Namazi Hospital, Iran. The patients were selected for the survey based on their confirmed diagnosis by cardiologists. Twelve study criteria including indications, contraindications, drug interactions, dosage, dosing adjustment, pretreatment considerations, and monitoring parameters were evaluated for each patient and recorded in a questionnaire designed by the clinical pharmacist.Results: ۲۰۷ patients participated in this study. More than ۸۵% of patients have correct indications for captopril prescriptions. The mean±standard deviation (SD) of hospitalization duration was ۷.۱۵±۴.۰۹ days. Statistical analysis revealed that in ۲۷ (۱۳.۰%) of patients the blood potassium level was in an unacceptable range. For serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), the percentages for unacceptable amounts were ۲۰.۳ and ۲۴.۶%, respectively. Finally, the mean±SD of the final score was ۱۰.۴۵±۱.۲۴ out of ۱۲.Conclusion: The results suggest that to improve therapeutic outcomes, it is recommended to provide further education to specialists, adhere to captopril prescription guidelines, and implement appropriate monitoring methods.

کلیدواژه ها:

Captopril ، Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ، ACEIs ، Hypertension ، Heart Failure ، Drug utilization evaluation