Use of antituberculosis drugs in Spain 1996.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and analyse the consumption of antituberculosis agents in Spain.


METHODS
Pharmacoepidemiological study on the use of antituberculosis agents during 1996 using data from prescriptions redeemed by the National Health Service.


RESULTS
During 1996, 5 533 233 defined daily doses (DDD) were consumed. Of these, 2 215 890 DDDs belonged to a combination commercialized as Rifinah (Rifampicin+Isoniazid). The use of daily doses per inhabitant in Spain was 0.37. Regarding the percentage of use, this reflects a use of 40.05% of the Rifinah combination, followed by Rifampicin, 17.59%. Regarding estimation of tuberculosis, the findings of the study revealed 11,202 cases, implying a prevalence of 27.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The total cost of this group of drugs was 863 275 147 Pts (0.1% of the total amount met by the NHS). Expenditure in Pts per 1000 inhabitants was 21 326. Of total costs, 40.26% was from Rifinah. Isoniazid was the drug with the lowest cost, 0.17%.


CONCLUSIONS
The most prescribed drug in Spain was the Rifampicin+Isoniazid combination. However, differences exist in the different regions of the country and these should receive further study. The estimated prevalence of tuberculosis is higher than that expected for a developed country such as Spain.
Blázquez Pérez
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Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Salamanca, Campo Charro s/n 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
Mateos Campos
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