Drug utilization evaluation of inhaled corticosteroids among patients with chronic lung diseases in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A prospective observational study

Chronic lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are major causes of morbidity worldwide and require long-term pharmacological management. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used to control airway inflammation, reduce exacerbations, and improve clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of inhaled corticosteroids among patients with chronic lung diseases attending a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India. A prospective observational study was conducted over six months among 60 patients receiving ICS therapy. Data on demographics, disease distribution, prescribing patterns, adherence to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, inhaler technique before and after pharmacist counselling, and adverse drug reactions were collected using a structured data collection form. COPD was the most common diagnosis, followed by asthma and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. Budesonide-based ICS-LABA combinations were the most frequently prescribed medications, and most prescriptions adhered to GOLD and GINA guideline recommendations. Pharmacist-led counselling significantly improved inhaler technique, while adverse drug reactions were infrequent and predominantly mild, with hoarseness of voice and oral candidiasis being the most common. The study demonstrated a rational utilization pattern of inhaled corticosteroids. Regular drug utilization evaluation, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and continuous patient education can further optimize therapeutic outcomes and improve medication safety.