Dispensing Patterns of Drugs used for neuropathic pain in Lebanon: An
observational study from community pharmacies
Abstract
Background: Neuropathic pain is a common chronic ailment that can be
challenging to treat, because of the heterogeneity of its etiologies,
symptoms, and underlying mechanisms. Drugs to treat neuropathic pain are
highly prescribed; however, limited data exist on the rates and patterns
of dispensing in Lebanon. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the
patterns of dispensing neuropathic pain drugs in the Lebanese adult
population. Methods: An observational study was conducted at 30
community pharmacies over a period of 10 months. Adults presenting to
the community pharmacy diagnosed with a neuropathic pain disorder, and
taking at least one pain medication were interviewed using a
questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics of
patients, comorbidities, neuropathic pain disorder type, physicians’
specialty, class, and number of medications prescribed. Results: A total
of 360 patients diagnosed with painful neuropathy were enrolled in our
study. The mean patients’ age was 50.2 years. Guideline-recommended
first-line agents (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,
tricyclic antidepressants, and gabapentinoids) were prescribed to 278
patients (77.2%) with pregabalin being the most used drug (60.5%),
nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (46.8%), opioids (15.8%), and
topical agents (5.5%). Combination treatment for neuropathic pain was
prescribed to 78.3% of patients. Conclusion: Our study revealed that
the Lebanese community is following international guidelines in treating
neuropathic pain disorders.