Trends in Use of Common Antihypertensive Drugs in Bangladesh: A Study on Rajshahi City

Mst. Shakila Parvin¹, Sabiha Yeasmin Moni², Monjila Khatun³, Falguni Binte Rahman⁴, Md. Awal Hossain Mollah⁵

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology &Therapeutics, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

² Professor, Department of Pharmacology &Therapeutics, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. 

^3,4 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology &Therapeutics, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. 

⁵ Professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. 

Abstract

Hypertension is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, particularly in urban settings, where lifestyle, dietary changes, and socioeconomic factors influence disease prevalence and management. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the trends in antihypertensive drug use, adherence patterns, side effects, and socioeconomic determinants among 50 hypertensive patients in Rajshahi City. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. Findings reveal a predominance of ACE inhibitors (36%) and calcium channel blockers (30%), moderate medication adherence in 44% of patients, and common side effects such as dizziness and fatigue. Socioeconomic status subtly influences drug choice, with higher-income patients accessing combination therapy more readily, while lower-income patients rely on cost-effective options such as diuretics. The study addresses gaps in localized antihypertensive utilization data and emphasizes the need for patient education, subsidized medication programs, and community-based interventions. These insights can guide clinicians and policymakers in optimizing hypertension management and improving cardiovascular health outcomes in urban Bangladesh.    

Keywords: Hypertension; Antihypertensive drugs; Medication adherence; Socioeconomic factors; Rajshahi City, Bangladesh.

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