英文摘要 |
Non-narcotic analgesics are among the most widely used medicines, but their utilization has not been extensively explored in Taiwan. The objective of our study is to analyze the prescription patterns of non-narcotic analgesics in Taiwan. This study was retrospective and based on the claimed reimbursement sampling database of the ambulatory care of National Health Insurance Bureau (NHI) in 1997 from the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI). The prescriptions represent 0.2% of the national prescription survey. A total of 134,726 prescriptions with non-narcotic analgesics were available for analysis. We analyzed the prescription patterns of non-narcotic analgesics among different patient groups and hospitals. About 39.2% of total prescriptions include non-narcotic analgesics, and 26.4% of the total prescriptions were written with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most frequently prescribed non-narcotic analgesics were found in general practice department, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, primary care settings, and private clinics. Acetaminophen is the most often prescribed non-narcotic analgesic. The highest average drug fee of non-narcotic analgesic prescriptions claimed were found in the age group of 60 years old above, the orthopedic department, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, and medical centers. The drug category 'antacids, drugs for treatment of peptic ulcer and flatulence' was the most commonly prescribed category with non-narcotic analgesics. According to the findings, we suggest that researchers should endeavor to analyze the adverse effects caused by non-narcotic prescription, and the impact of their respective adverse effects. The authorities concerned should also establish an effective drug utilization review system to improve the quality of prescription, and then it will also be able to assure better quality of care to the patients. |