Abstract

The Pharmacotherapy of drugs used in the management of ischemic heart disease at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan between June 1998 and May 2007, was studied retrospectively. The objective was to assess the rational use of the prescribed drugs and to determine the tolerability and benefits of using nitrates, betablockers, calcium channel blockers and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). A total of 52 case files of patients with ischemic heart disease were randomly selected from the central medical record department and used for the study. Information extracted includes demographic data, the prescribed drugs and side effects. Results showed that males 27(51.9%) were more affected with ischemic heart disease than females 25(48.1%). Age range between 51- 60 years were 15(28.8%) and constituted the highest percentage with mean 54.1 years. Nitrates 36 (30.5%) were the highest prescribed drugs followed by acetylsalicylic acid 29 (24.5%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors 14 (11.9%), beta blockers 13(10.9%), sedatives 11(9.3%), calcium channel blockers 8 (6.7%), morphine sulphate 4 (3.3%) and dopamine 3 (2.5%). Side effects documented were headache 8(19.2%), dizziness 5(12.2%), flushing 5(12.2%), tachycardia 4(9.7%), bronchoconstriction 2(4.8%), and depression 7(17.0%). There is a need for proper education of patients on dietary pattern, smoking ceasation, moderate exercise and drug compliance.