A retrospective study on prescribing pattern and cost analysis of proton‐pump inhibitors used among adults of Saudi Arabia

Objective To evaluate the use of proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treatment of different gastric disease in Saudi population and their related administration cost. Materials and methods It was a cross‐sectional retrospective drug utilization study. The utilization rates and cost analysis of each PPIs class of drugs were compared. Study data were obtained from pharmacy database. Data between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were investigated, including incidence, prevalence and duration of use of proton‐pump inhibitors among adults of Saudi Arabia. Key findings We observed 26 798 (4.27%) prescription of PPIs were dispensed in the in‐patient and out‐patient pharmacy department of Al‐Mana Group of Hospital (AGH) Al khobar. Among all the PPIs user, more than the half ((53.01%, n = 14 208), 95% CI (52.42–53.62)) were male. 30–40 years age patients (24.57%, 95% CI (24.06–25.09) (n = 6585)) were highest number of PPI users. Nearly, equal number of PPI users belongs between 51–60 years ((20.88%, n = 5596), 95% CI (20.40–21.37)) and >60 years ((20.36%, n = 5456), 95% CI (19.8–20.85)). Among all the dispensed PPIs drugs, Pantoprazole is dispensed to the highest number of patients (79.09% (95% CI, 78.61–79.58) (n = 21 197)) while their average duration of therapy was 18.86 days. Among all PPIs, pantoprazole average unit wise cost was highest SR 8.83 (USD 2.35) in comparison to other PPIs. Conclusion In our study, among all the PPIs Pantoprazole was prescribed to the highest number of patients also it was costliest; hence, their safe and effective use must be warranted. Current study will also help in to develop nation database regarding utilization of proton‐pump inhibitors.