Abstract

Background: Evidence from several studies has revealed an alarming rate of prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which may be related with bigger healthcare costs and adverse outcomes. New studies recommend that continuous usage of PPI is linked with increased risk of heart attack and serious adverse reactions. Aims: To determine the prevalence of inappropriate prescription practice of PPI’s without valid indication, especially in patients with illness other than gastrointestinal conditions. Methods: We carried out a prospective observational study of 1162 patients who have been admitted in General medicine, ICU, Surgery and Orthopedics department of a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu from March 2015 to August 2015.We obtained results by checking patients’ case reports and patient direct interview. Based on the indication of PPIs used in patients, the appropriateness was evaluated. Results: From a total of 1162 patients, appropriateness in the usage of PPIs was found in 702 (60.41%) patients, whereas inappropriateness was found in 460 (39.58%) patients. Increased risk of hospitalization was found in two patients with cardiovascular co- morbidities which were suspected to be due to the use of PPI’s. Conclusion: Inappropriate prescription of PPI’s without valid indications is prevalent among physicians in our healthcare system. Prescribers must be well conscious regarding usage of PPIs, as current situation study discovers the link between the PPI usage and increased risk of heart attack and also two patients enrolled in this study shows suspected link in usage of PPI’s and cardiac problems. Selection of PPI must be done wisely and should be prescribed to the patients only if indicated.