Dispensing of antibiotics, antitussives and mucolytics to asthma patients: a pharmacy-based observational survey.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Antibiotics, antitussives and mucolytics are commonly used in asthma, despite limited evidence for their effectiveness. The correlates of use for these medication classes in asthma were identified.

METHODS:

Asthma patients aged 18-50 who were regular customers of pharmacies were included in an observational study. Patients completed a questionnaire, which was complemented by computerised pharmacy records of previously dispensed medications. Users of each drug class were compared to non-users in terms of demographics, asthma characteristics and management.

RESULTS:

Among 886 patients (mean age: 37; 55% females), 63.2%, 55.8% and 27.2%, respectively, were users of antibiotics, mucolytics and antitussives during the previous 12 months. In multivariate analysis, dispensing of >2 units of oral corticosteroids was the major correlate of receiving antibiotics (OR=5.47; 95% CI=[3.00-9.97]), mucolytics (OR=3.93; 95% CI=[2.38-6.50]) and antitussives (OR=1.86; 95% CI=[1.18-2.94]). Compared to well-controlled patients, the probability of receiving antibiotics was significantly higher for poorly controlled patients (OR=2.01; 95% CI=[1.28-3.15]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that these drugs are mainly used during asthma exacerbations. A better understanding of the use of co-medication in asthma is required.

• Authors: Laurent Laforest, Eric Van Ganse, Gilles Devouassoux, A El Hasnaoui, Liesl M Osman, Gisele Bauguil, Genevieve Chamba
• Journal: Respiratory medicine (Respir Med) Vol. 102 Issue 1 Pg. 57-63 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 0954-6111 [Print] England
• PMID: 17913486 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Asthmatic Agents
• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antitussive Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Antitussive Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Asthma (complications, drug therapy)
• Female
• Guideline Adherence (standards)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multivariate Analysis
• Polypharmacy
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Treatment Refusal