Analgesic and Proton Pump Inhibitor Combinations in Prescriptions: An Insights from the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Analgesics the pain-reliever, sometimes concomitantly prescribed with anti-ulcerant to alleviate the as-usual peptic ulceration side effects. This study evaluated the prescription patterns of the together used analgesics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 400 prescriptions were collected containing non-opioids (Paracetamol, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen) and opioids (Tramadol and Buprenorphine) in combination with different PPIs (Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, and Dexlansoprazole). Data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0. The age variable was divided into groups such as the child (0–14 years), young (15–24 years), adult (25–40 years), and senior adult (41–60 years). The association between categorical variables was determined using Chi-square statistics. The significance level was set at P value < 0.05. Results: 198 (49.5%) of the 400 prescriptions were female, 202 (50.5%) were male, while 180 (45%) were adult patients (25-40 years). Esomeprazole was the most often prescribed PPIs, accounting for 29.75% of overall PPIs. Notably, 6.75% of omeprazole was suggested with diclofenac sodium, while 9.25% of paracetamol prescriptions were lack of PPIs. 40.50% of prescriptions contained essential medicines. At prescription errors, the lack of generic names (95%) was more prominent, followed by the absence of patient names (50.3%). Conclusion: Paracetamol and Esomeprazole were the most prescribed analgesics and PPIs. National and international guidance should be followed during the prescribing of antibiotics, analgesics, and PPIs.