Antimalarials prescribing patterns in Gezira State: precepts and practices.
A longitudinal pharmacoepidemiological study on prescribing patterns of antimalarials was conducted in Gezira State, Sudan. Different core drug prescribing indicators were identified, measured and correlated. Chloroquine and quinine were the most frequently prescribed antimalaria drugs but in 44.7% of cases, the dosage was inappropriate and did not conform to standard regimens. Due to variable and unmonitored patterns of drug resistance, most medical practitioners in Sudan tend to follow their own protocols to treat severe cases of malaria rather than conforming to standard regimens. We attribute the emergence of a high rate of resistance to malaria chemotherapy to such practices. We recommend interventions to ensure rational prescribing, and call for the formulation of a national antimalarial drugs policy.
Yousif
M A
MA
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan.
Adeel
A A
AA
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018579:Patient Selection; D017891:Pharmacoepidemiology; D010602:Pharmacopoeias as Topic; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013038:Specialization; D013397:Sudan / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000962:Antimalarials