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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

2 School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

10.30476/tips.2025.105854.1283

Abstract

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: 207 patients participated in this study. More than 85% of patients have correct indications for captopril prescriptions. The mean±standard deviation (SD) of hospitalization duration was 7.15±4.09 days. Statistical analysis revealed that in 27 (13.0%) 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 20.3 and 24.6%, respectively. Finally, the mean±SD of the final score was 10.45±1.24 out of 12.
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.

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