Evaluation Of Prescribing Pattern For Various Types Of Allergic Conjunctivitis In Ophthalmology Outpatient Department Of Nalanda Medical College: A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Of Bihar

Background: Prescription pattern monitoring forms an important element of the Drug Utilization Study. It provides clinicians with a feedback which they can use in improving their prescribing practices and assures rational prescription of drugs. Objectives: To evaluate prescription patterns for patients seeking consultation for various types of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: It was an observational study of six months duration from June 2019 to December 2019. Newly diagnosed allergic conjunctivitis patients visiting the Ophthalmology OPD were included. Their demographic profile, diagnosis, clinical findings and drugs prescribed were noted and analysed. Results: A total of 114 prescriptions were analysed, out of which 71 were of males (62.28%) and 43 of females (37.72%). The mean age was 11.71±8.53 years with majority under 10 years of age. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) was found to be the most common type (50.88%) followed by Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (24.56%). Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) accounted for 10.53% while Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), Contact allergy (CA) and Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) together accounted for 14.03% of the total number of cases. The dual-acting antihistaminic/mast cell stabilizing drugs were most commonly prescribed (22%) with Olopatadine at the top (16.28% of the total). Artificial tear (16.86%), topical steroids (12.29%) and systemic antihistaminics (19.43%) were other commonly prescribed drugs. Conclusion: Among various types of allergic conjunctivitis, SAC was the most common followed by VKC, PAC, AKC, CA and GPC in that order. Dual acting drugs with both antihistaminic and mast cell stabilizing action were most commonly prescribed.