Drug Utilization Evaluation of Pantoprazole in a Teaching Hospital in North of Iran, 2016

Background and Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the main therapeutic agents for acid-dependent diseases. Inappropriate use of this group of drugs especially Intravenous form of pantoprazole can lead to unnecessary cost. The aim of this study was to assess the IV Pantoprazole utilization in a teaching hospital in North of Iran.
This cross sectional study was performed within four months in 100 patients hospitalized in Ramsar Imam Sajjad Hospital, 2016. Demographic data, type and doses of Pantoprazole, risk factors for stress ulcer, and other relevant clinical data were recorded. Appropriate use of Pantoprazole was assessed according to recommendations provided by Fact Drug Information 2016, Medscape 2016, and UpToDate 2016.
Among the patients 54% had indication for receiving a PPI and only 16% had indication for parenteral form of PPI. Oral PPIs could have been used in 73% of the patients but they received parenteral form of Pantoprazole. In 92% of IV injections, a vial of 40 mg Pantoprazole was dissolved in 10 ml distilled water and injection was done in less than 10 seconds which was incompatible with guidelines.
In current study, utilization of Pantoprazole was not compatible with guidelines in most cases, including right indication, right preparation methods and right rate of drug administration.