AN ANALYSIS OF THE DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS OBSERVED IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Vidhun M.*, Dr. R. Dinesh Kumar*, Dr. M. Alagarraja*, Dr. D. Christopher Vimalson*, Ashitha K. S.*

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Evaluating drug utilization patterns provides critical insights into clinical practice and rational medicine use. Aim: To analyze the drug utilization patterns, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes among patients with hyperlipidemia in a hospital setting. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 150 hyperlipidemic patients receiving lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy at Visva Medical Centre and Hospital. Demographic data, prescribed treatment regimens, baseline, and post-treatment lipid profiles (Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides) were collected and analyzed. Statistical significance was assessed using p-values. Results: Among the 150 participants, males constituted 53.33% (n=80) and females 46.67% (n=70). The majority of patients belonged to the 41–50 age group (n=42) and were classified as overweight based on BMI (n=65). Statin monotherapy was the predominant treatment choice. Atorvastatin was the most frequently prescribed agent (38.00%, n=57), followed by Rosuvastatin (26.67%, n=40), and Fenofibrate (20.00%, n=30). Combination therapy was prescribed in 15.34% (n=23) of patients. Post-treatment evaluation demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all lipid parameters (p < 0.001). Rosuvastatin monotherapy achieved the lowest current mean LDL level (114.35 mg/dL), Atorvastatin showed the highest mean HDL level (50.70 mg/dL), and Fenofibrate + Atorvastatin combination achieved the lowest triglyceride levels (161.60 mg/dL). Conclusion: Atorvastatin was the most commonly utilized lipid-lowering drug. All prescribed monotherapies and combination regimens resulted in statistically significant improvements in lipid profiles, demonstrating effective therapeutic outcomes in routine clinical practice.