Pattern of PPIs dispensing and the role of pharmacists in control of inappropriate prescriptions.

Abstract

Even though Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally considered safe, they still have serious adverse effects in case of inappropriate use. The prescription of PPIs must be based on clear clinical need. This study was aimed to prospects the uncontrolled and inappropriate dispensing of PPIs, as well as the pattern of PPIs prescription. A total of 20932 prescriptions of PPIs were collected from the community and private pharmacies, and the prescribed and non-prescribed dispensing PPIs were evaluated. The results of the study have shown that there is an irrational prescription of PPIs with a huge demand for non-prescribed PPIs. For omeprazole, the percentage of prescribed to non-prescribed was 12% and 88%, respectively. While, Pantoprazole and Esomeprazole were 40% and 60%, and Lansoprazole was 27% and 73%. In summary, PPIs need more control from qualifying pharmacists to avoid the dangers of misuse and drug interaction.