title: [Use of antihypertensive drugs in Spain (1995-2001)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the last few years there have been changes in the pattern of consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain. This study aimed to describe the pattern of use in Spain from 1995 to 2001, its compliance with guidelines, and its economic impact. An aim of particular interest for our study was the impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on the consumption of the drugs from other therapeutic subgroups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information on drug utilization was obtained from the ECOM database of the Spanish Ministry of Health, which records the number of packages charged to the National Health System. Data were expressed in defined daily dose (DDD) and DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antihypertensive consumption in Spain increased from 113.1 DHD in 1995 to 182.8 in 2001 (an increase of 61.65%). In 2001, angiotensin II receptor antagonists accounted for 25% of the costs and 14% of the consumption. Overall, costs increased from 646.42 million euros in 1995 to 1144.77 million euros in 2001.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain has increased remarkably in the last 7 years. Likewise, costs have increased proportionately, although the contributions of different therapeutic subgroups have been unequal. The impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists has been considerable, both on consumption and on costs.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Farmacoepidemiología, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. jgarciapoz@agemend.es
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: García del Pozo
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ramos Sevillano
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: de Abajo
authors.forename: Ramona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mateos Campos
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents