Aims: The aims of this study were to describe the prescribing of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by some general practitioners and to assess the information recorded on computer records on their use in individual patients so that techniques could be developed for a broader investigation of the topic in general practice.
Methods: All prescribing and consulting data from five Dunedin practices was reviewed for a 6 month period. From all consultations generating a prescription for NSAIDs, data was collected relating to the name of the drug, dosage, strength and length of treatment and patient demographic and morbidity details. Recorded adverse drug reactions were classified into six groups and four age groups were used for the analysis.
Results: Prescriptions for NSAIDs accounted for 2.6% of all items prescribed. Diclofenac was the most commonly prescribed NSAID, for most conditions, but menstrual problems were more likely to be treated with mefenamic acid. Coprescription of possibly contraindicated medications (usually antihypertensive medicines) occurred for 20.8% of patients. Gastric adverse reactions were reported in 3% of cases while 0.9% of prescriptions resulted in no change in condition, leading to a change in therapy. Aspirin, fenbufen, ketoprofen, sulindac and flurbiprofen were never prescribed for patients under 20 years old.
Conclusion: Routinely recorded patient and prescribing information from general practice permits an assessment of the use of NSAIDs which includes the conditions for which they are prescribed, the total numbers prescribed, concurrent medications prescribed and their recorded adverse effects. This is not possible from any other source. Data from clinical trials provides an incomplete assessment of the use of these medications in general practice.