The Outpatient Prescribing Pattern of Aluminum - Magnesium Hydroxide Antacid

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to explore the prescribing trends of aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide in the outpatient setting. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in a public hospital in Al Saih. Prescription data was collected retrospectively from electronic patients records in the outpatient section of the hospital. Results: A total of 146 outpatients received aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide antacid between 1st of July till the end of December 2018. Most of the patients were female (61.64%). Out of the 146 prescriptions, 145 were written by residents (99.32%) and only 1 prescription was written by a specialist (0.68%). Most of the prescriptions were written by emergency department (91.79%). Conclusion: The use of aluminum hydroxide - magnesium hydroxide was uncommon but it should be prescribed carefully and a continuous assessment of its prescribing is required to prevent its adverse events and drug interactions.