Prescribing of antacids and ulcer-healing drugs in primary care in the north of England.

摘要: SUMMARY Background: This study describes the pharmaco-epidemiology of ulcer-healing therapies in primary care north England. Methods: Anonymous patient-specific prescribing data were extracted from computerized general practice records for 41 practices. Prescribing prevalences determined according to patient age, gender and recorded prescription indication, both antacids H2-receptor antagonists or omeprazole. Results: During year study, prescribed 3.9% population, omeprazole 3.7%. Rates increased with peaking at 99 (antacids) 87 (H2-receptor antagonists) per 1000 population aged 65–84 years. Antacid rates women over twice those men amongst 15–34 For antagonists, higher than women, excess attributable ulcer indications, although all ages oesophagitis was more prevalent among women. Of patients omeprazole, 45 % (accounting 51% items) had indications which included peptic oesophagitis, 42 gastritis dyspepsia only (35% items), 13 no indication recorded. each practices similar profiles age gender, but their absolute levels differed up two-fold. Conclusions: drugs varies systematically gender. Consequently, evaluation crude rates, without reference demography, is unreliable as a guide usage. In practice, appear be over-prescribed minor indications.