Table 1. Compared results of using supply data and a prescription survey for measuring anti-hypertensive drug use in hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| Actual or suggested use | Treatment guidelines | Supply data | Prescription survey |
|---|---|---|---|
| (%)a | (%)a | ||
| 1st line | Diuretic (HCT) | Diuretic (42) | Diuretic (43.5) |
| 2nd line | Reserpine | ACE inhibitor (27) | ACE inhibitor (29.5) |
| 3rd line | Beta blocker | Methyldopa (10) | CCB (12.4) |
| 4th line | ACE inhibitor | Reserpine (7) | Beta blocker (6.7) |
| 5th line | CCB | Beta blocker (6) | Methyldopa (4.9) |
| 6th line | Alpha blocker | CCB (6) | Reserpine (2.7) |
| 7th line | – | Hydralazine (1) | Hydralazine (0.2) |
ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; CCB, calcium channel blocker; HCT, hydrochlorothiazide. a The percentages in parentheses represent the proportion of all anti-hypertensive drugs supplied or prescribed.