Evaluation of Rationality of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of Respiratory Drugs Available in Indian Market

Dr Abhilasha Rashmi; Dr Smita Mali

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Evaluation of Rationality of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of Respiratory Drugs Available in Indian Market

Dr Abhilasha Rashmi, Dr Smita Mali

Abstract :

Background: This study is done to assess the rationality of FDCs of respiratory drugs (drugs for treatment of asthma, chronic onchitis, COPD and cough) available in Indian market. Antitubercular drugs are not considered.

Methods: Data was collected from CIMS (October 2017–January 2018) that enlists most medicines commercially available in India during that period. Each FDC was checked for its presence in recent CDSCO and WHO essential medicines list and their rationality was assessed according to WHO Rationality Scoring Scale.

Results: We found that only 6% FDCs were rational, 28% were irrational and 66% semi–rational. Also, we checked the FDC list approved by DCGI from 1961 till 12^th January 2018 and found that only 16.2% of marketed FDCs are actually approved by DCGI.

Conclusion: A large number of respiratory semi–rational and irrational FDCs are available in Indian market. We need a close scrutiny of marketed FDCs and prescribers should be educated to use them with caution.