Use of antiasthmatic drugs in Australia.
Bronchodilator prescription and sales data for Australia from 1975 to 1986 were analysed. Inhaled beta-agonists were the most commonly prescribed antiasthmatic agents in 1986, followed by sustained-release theophylline and inhaled corticosteroids. Marked increases in prescription sales of these three drug groups over the period were noted. We estimate that non-prescription sales of salbutamol inhalers increased by 410% between 1980 and 1986 (P less than 0.01). Prescribing rates by general practitioners for beta-agonists, sustained-release theophylline and inhaled corticosteroids increased from 1979 to 1986. Prescribing rates of beta-agonists were highest for persons aged 1-11 years and 55 years and over, and increased markedly for children aged 1-11 years over the period. For sustained-release theophylline, prescribing rates were highest for persons 55 years and over. The difficulties in postulating possible relationships between prescribing trends and asthma mortality are discussed.
Jenkins
M A
MA
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Monash University Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Vic.
Hurley
S F
SF
Bowes
G
G
McNeil
J J
JJ
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001315:Australia; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013806:Theophylline; D000420:Albuterol