HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY TO ANALYSE PREVALENCE, PRESCRIBING PATTERN AND MANAGEMENT OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME

SHRIJAL M. RAO; RAHUL P.; SHAMEEM MUKTHAR; CHRISTY T. CHACKO; MITHUN SADASHIVA ACHARYA; A. R. SHABARAYA

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i6.8002

Authors

SHRIJAL M. RAO Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangaluru-574143, Karnataka, India
RAHUL P. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangaluru-574143, Karnataka, India
SHAMEEM MUKTHAR Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangaluru-574143, Karnataka, India
CHRISTY T. CHACKO Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangaluru-574143, Karnataka, India
MITHUN SADASHIVA ACHARYA Department of Psychiatry, Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru-574146, Karnataka, India
A. R. SHABARAYA epartment of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangaluru-574143, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i6.8002

Keywords:

Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS), Prevalence, pattern of alcohol consumption, Management, Liver function tests

Abstract

Objective: Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a chronic, progressive disorder that significantly impacts physical health, mental well-being, family, and social life. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic profile, prescribing trends, and liver function changes in patients with ADS.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore. A total of 100 patients with ADS who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data on demographics, alcohol consumption, prescribing patterns, and liver function tests (LFTs) were collected and analyzed.

Results: Among 100 participants, 99% were males and 1% was female. The majority (53%) belonged to the 41–50 y age group, followed by 24% in the 31–40 y group. Regarding alcohol consumption, 40% reported intake of 60 g/day, while 32% consumed 81–90 ml/day. Long-term use was common, with 34% consuming alcohol for more than 22 y. The prescribing analysis revealed frequent use of vitamins (92%), benzodiazepines (75%), anti-craving drugs (65%), antipsychotics (55%), antiepileptics (45%), and PPIs (42%). Lorazepam (83%) was the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, while Baclofen (84%) was the preferred anti-craving drug. Olanzapine (36%) was commonly prescribed for affective disorders. Two-thirds (66%) were treated only for ADS, while 34% had comorbidities such as depression, seizures, and psychosis. LFTs showed significant abnormalities, including elevated AST and ALT levels and altered albumin, globulin, and bilirubin levels.

Conclusion: ADS predominantly affects middle-aged males and is linked to long-term, high-quantity alcohol consumption. Significant liver dysfunction and psychiatric comorbidities highlight the need for early detection, comprehensive management, and preventive measures to reduce the overall burden of ADS.

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