Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice

The Pattern of Intravenous Proton‑Pump Inhibitor Utilization at an Academic Medical Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Authors

. Yahya Ali Mohzari 1
. Ahmed Alsaegh 1
. Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq 2
. Sulafah N. Al Shanawani 3
. Amani A. Albraiki 4
. Amal Bagalb 3

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, KSMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2 Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3 Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, KSMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4 Department of Inpatient Pharmacies, KSMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the extent of inappropriate utilization 
of intravenous proton‑pump inhibitors (IV‑PPIs) and its financial burden in a Middle 
Eastern tertiary care university hospital. Methods: This was an observational, 
retrospective, cross-sectional study carried out in King Saud University Medical 
City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During a study period of 6 consecutive weeks, all 
hospitalized adult patients (age ≥18) who received IV‑PPI selected and mapped 
with their indications. The patient indications analyzed in comparison with the 
appropriate indications developed based on the evidence from published literature 
and guidelines. Findings: A total of 347 patients were identified, with a mean age 
of 51.5 years, of which 51.9% were male. Of all the patients who received IV-PPIs, 
251 (72.3%), 66 (19%), and 30 (8.7%) received for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), 
peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERDs), and upper 
gastrointestinal bleeding, respectively. Overall, only 110 (31.7%) of the 347 patients 
received IV-PPIs appropriately. The patients with SUP showed the highest percentage 
of inappropriate use of IV-PPI (80.59%) compared to PUD/GERD (19%). The total 
cost of inappropriate prescription of IV-PPI was 585,167 Saudi Riyal (SAR) (156,044 
USD). Conclusion: There is a high tendency of IV-PPI’s inappropriate prescription 
in our hospital setting. This large-scale inappropriate prescription of IV-PPI in the 
hospital setting not only may lead to increased financial burden but also expose 
patients to number of undesired effects.

Keywords

lnappropriate medication usage
intravenous proton‑pump inhibitors
  prescribing trend

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Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice
Volume 9, Issue 3
Summer 2020
Pages 151-154

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