Prescribing Patterns of Antihypertensive Medications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arshad, Verda; Samad, Zainab; Das, Jai; Almas, Aysha; Rashid, Nouman; Virani, Salim S.; Bloomfield, Gerald S.; Jafar, Tazeen H.; Ahmed, Bilal
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 33:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: hypertension -- antihypertensives -- prescribing patterns -- systematic review -- low- and middle-income countries; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539520965280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

Hypertension is highly prevalent, but its pharmacological management has not been well evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review examined the prescribing patterns of antihypertensives in LMICs. Data were extracted from a total of 26 studies spanning the time period 2000 to 2018. In 10 studies, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were the most frequently prescribed medication for managing hypertension (range = 33% to 72%); in six studies, renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (range = 25% to 83%); in five studies, diuretics (range = 39% to 99%); and in five studies, β-blockers (BBs; range = 26% to 49%) were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications. Prescribing sedatives and sublingual administration of captopril for controlling hypertension was also reported in 3 studies. Only 10 studies presented their findings in light of national or international guidelines. This review calls for further antihypertensive utilization and dispensation studies and a better understanding of clinician's perception and practice of hypertension management guidelines in LMICs.