PATTERN OF BENZODIAZEPINE PRESCRIPTION IN INTERNAL MEDICINE OUTPATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN

Objective: To explore the pattern of prescription of benzodiazepines in internal medicine outpatients at a tertiary care hospital. The study included the types of benzodiazepines used, gender and age preference, indication of prescription, past history of use, dosage and length of prescription. Methodology: This cross sectional study was undertaken from 1st of Januaryto 1stof March 2011 at Internal medicine outpatients during this time were indentified through the hospital database. Relevant data from charts of patients was recorded on a preformed questionnaire. All data collected was analyzed in SPSS 17.0. Results: Out of 1706 patients attending the outpatient clinics, 11.1% patients were prescribed benzodiazepines. Female gender and older age was associated with higher rate of prescription. Intermediate acting benzodiazepines prescribed to 98.4% patients, were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Most common indication for prescription of benzodiazepine was anxiety and depression. The length of prescription was mentioned in only 19% of cases. Only24.3%patients had previously been prescribed the drug. Conclusion: The pattern of benzodiazepine prescription in tertiary care hospital is comparable to that of developed countries. Due to the grave potential for abuse, regulation regarding the use of this class of drugs is extremely important. Data from this study and other studies from the country seem to suggest that awareness on this topic is in place. However, further widespread studies need to be carried out at the community level.