Prescribing patterns for antihypertensive drugs after the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial: report of experience in a health maintenance organization.

摘要: Background The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) reported that primary cardiovascular outcomes were the same in hypertensive patients treated with thiazide-type diuretics as those calcium channel bockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. aim of this study was assess prescribing patterns antihypertensive agents a health maintenance organization (HMO) before after publications ALLHAT results. Methods Our analysis used computer-stored information from pharmacy system HMO for period between January 1, 1996, December 31, 2003. assessed drugs six classes: diuretics, other-type inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, α-blockers. monthly total number relative percentage dispensed prescriptions each class agent, including new refills, calculated. Results use α-blockers all began decrease closure α-blocker (doxazosin) arm 2000. Prescriptions immediately increased publication 2002. During first 6 months 2003, percentages statistically significantly higher compared predicted values. This pattern held well prescriptions. Conclusions had large effects on our population. Prescription publication. findings establish response physicians clinical evidence can be very rapid.