Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prescriptions written to asthmatic patients at asthma outpatient clinic. All prescriptions of the year 2002 were retrospectively investigated. 8127 prescriptions written to asthmatic patients at asthma outpatient clinic were included in the study. 5952 (73.2%) prescriptions included inhaled corticosteroids, 4905 (60.4%) long acting beta- 2 agonists, 2840 (34.9%) short acting beta- 2 agonists, 1327 (16.3%) metyl-xanthines and 1122 (13.8%) prescriptions included leucotrien receptor antagonists. Inhaled corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed antiasthmatic agents, followed by long acting beta-2 agonists. The proportions of prescriptions including analgesics, antibiotics, mucolytics and antitussives were 8.5%, 16.6%, 13.6% and 2.2% respectively. In conclusion, high rate of prescription of antibiotics and mucolytics in the present study is striking. However, the prescription of high amount of antiinflammatory drugs is in accordance with the suggestions of national and international guidelines.