Preferred Abstract (Original):
The objective of this study was to determine the utilization pattern of
antidiabetic and antihypertensive medication among diabetic hypertensive patients.
The medical profile of three hundred and forty two patients diagnosed with type 2
diabetes mellitus and hypertension were reviewed and analyzed. Among the tested
sample, antidiabetic monotherapy was prevalent (74.3%). Antihypertensive
monotherapy was found among 47.3% of the tested sample. Analysis of the
antidiabetic medications shows underutilization of insulin combination therapy and
inappropriate use of metformin among the elderly. Analysis of the antihypertensive
therapy shows that there is underutilization of combination therapy, low dose
thiazides and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ATIIRA). Some of the 2-drug
antihypertensive combinations were irrational like beta blockers (BB) plus diuretics,
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) plus BB or ACE-I plus
dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB). In conclusion, the study shows
that some prescribing practices for diabetic hypertensive patients were appropriate
while others were inappropriate and do not adhere to current recommendations in the
literature. Continuing medical education is needed to improve the prescribing
practices in Palestine.