Drug utilization review of tablets of clonazepam in external consult in a general hospital [Utilización de tabletas de clonazepam en la consulta externa de un hospital general]

The main purpose of this study was to assess the drug utilization review (DUR) of clonazepam in 512 patients in one health care center. Of the 794 prescriptions reviewed, clonazepam was prescribed more in females (73%25) than in males (27%25). The mean age was 54 years. Approximately 49%25 of patients received clonazepam for less than 5 years and 5.5%25 were taking this drug for more than 16 years, this latter one may causing tolerance and physical dependence to clonazepam. It has been described interactions of clonazepam with imipramine, valproic acid and carbamazepine; however, we found combinations of these medications in 22%25 of the prescriptions. The defined daily dose (DDD)/100 prescriptions/day was 46.85 mg. Our results demonstrated the need to take urgent measures for a rational use of clonazepam.

Clonazepam; Drug utilization review; Interactions bromazepam; carbamazepine; clonazepam; fluoxetine; Ginkgo biloba extract; imipramine; lorazepam; sertraline; valproic acid; adolescent; adult; aged; anxiety disorder; article; child; consultation; depression; drug dependence; drug tolerance; drug use; female; general hospital; health center; human; insomnia; major clinical study; male; prescription; tablet

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