Abstract

ROLE OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Dr. Mohammed Ashfaq Hussain, Sidrah Firdous*, Mohammed Ehtesham Uz Zaman*, Sayema Shireen* and Dr. N. Y. Prashanth Chandra

Abstract

Background: Drug related problems occur commonly in patients who often receive polypharmacy with multiple co-morbid conditions. This constitutes a major health problem because of their negative consequences with increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To study the role of clinical pharmacists in hospitalized diabetes mellitus patients with hypertension. METHODS: A prospective and active surveillance study on 122 patients was conducted in the department of Aster Prime Hospital over a period of 6 months. The information obtained was recorded in data collection form and analyzed. The drug –drug interactions were identified in the prescriptions. RESULTS: Out of 122 patients, the drug interactions were seen in 99 patients and the percentage is 81% and 23 patients with no drug interaction that is 19% of the total Drug Interaction. The alternatives were suggested to avoid or overcome the interactions. Several interventions were also made by clinical pharmacists for better therapy outcome. CONCLUSION: This highlighted the importance of developing the role of clinical pharmacist in the patients with diabetes and hypertension by minimizing the adverse drug reaction and drug-drug interactions both to improve the quality of life of patients. It also helped in improving patient compliance.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, comorbidities, hyperglycaemia, drug-drug interactions.