Evaluation of prescription pattern of steroid in dermatology OPD of tertiary health care institution and study of adverse effects with steroids use

Aims and objective: To evaluate the prescription pattern of steroids in Dermatology OPD and the adverse events reported with steroid use. Materials and methods: The prescriptions of both genders and of all age groups attending Dermatology OPD with moderate to severe dermatological problem, receiving corticosteroid were included. A total of 1575 prescriptions were analyzed for 6months, out of which steroids were prescribed in 600 prescriptions. The parameters assessed were corticosteroids prescribed, their route and frequency, demographic profile of patients and the adverse events reported. Results: The majority (54.5%) of cases were males in the age group 35-50 years. About 85% of the prescriptions contained four to five drugs per prescription. In 72% instances injection dexamethasone and in 53% cases oral prednisolone was prescribed. The prevalence of pemphigus vulgaris is highest followed by systemic sclerosis. Cutaneous adverse effects were maximum, most frequent being atrophy, acne, and purpura. Systemic reactions such as hyperglycemia and glaucoma were found in some cases. Conclusion: Our study confirms that steroids are used frequently in the Dermatology OPD and are associated with adverse drug reaction which could be minimized by their judicious use.