The usage pattern of Anti-inflammatory drugs-steroidal and non-steroidal- in patients referred to13 Aban pharmacy in Sari

(Received 12 September, 2009 ; Accepted 18 November, 2009)AbstractIn the present study, the usage pattern of Anti-inflammatory drugs-steroidal and non-steroidal- in patients referred to 13 Aban Pharmacy in Sari was evaluated. The results show a high rate of anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions, mainly by general practitioners with ibuprofen, diclofenac and mefenamic acid being the most widely used NSAIDs and prednisolone, dexamethasone and betamethasone being the most prescribed corticosteroids respectively. Training physicians regarding the rational use of anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions may be effective in modifying the usage pattern of these drugs and avoiding the risks associated with their heavy usage.J Mazand Univ Med Sci 2009; 19(72): 82-84 (Persian).