Effect of Clinical Pharmacy Interventions on Oral Antidiabetic Prescribing Patterns and Related Complications in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacy activities on the contemporary prescribing patterns of oral antidiabetic drugs and their associated complications in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study included only patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were admitted to the hospital. Medication details of all enrolled patients were collected and documented using a well-designed data collection form. Patient sociodemographic information such as age, sex, weight, and height was recorded, along with disease-specific details including past medical history, reason for admission, and any known allergies. Medication history covering drug name, route of administration, dosage, type of drug-related problem, reason for pharmacist intervention, and suggestions provided by the clinical pharmacist was also documented. The analysis revealed that among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated complications, insulin therapy was preferred over oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). In most cases, insulin was used in combination with OHAs to achieve better glycemic control, especially in patients presenting with markedly elevated blood glucose levels. Regular insulin emerged as the first choice for insulin therapy, while metformin was identified as the most frequently prescribed OHA. Furthermore, the study emphasized that patient education regarding lifestyle modification and diabetes management plays a crucial role in achieving optimal glycemic control. The implementation of clinical pharmacy services was found to be essential for patient education, monitoring potential drug interactions, and improving overall quality of life. The present study suggests that effective management of diabetic patients including appropriate dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to prescribed medications can significantly improve glycemic outcomes and enhance therapeutic effectiveness.