IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-12-17421 Original Research Paper Evaluation of Rationality of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of Respiratory Drugs Available in Indian Market Abhilasha Rashmi Dr. December 2018 7 12 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Background: This study is done to assess the rationality of FDCs of respiratory drugs (drugs for treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, 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 12th 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.