Pharmacoeconomic implications of preference toward reference- versus generic-brand antidepressants in primary care.

Background: The prevalence of depression is gradually increasing worldwide with an increasing utilization of antidepressants. Nevertheless, despite their lower costs, generic-brand antidepressants were reported to be less prescribed. We aimed to examine the costs of reference- versus generic-brand antidepressant prescriptions in primary care practice.

Supratherapeutic utilization of paracetamol versus ibuprofen among <12-year-old children in primary care in Istanbul.

Background: Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most preferred analgesics for pain and fever management in children. Prescribing of these drugs in supratherapeutic doses may predispose to their toxicity. We aimed to compare prescribing patterns and potential overdosing of paracetamol and ibuprofen in primary care for <12-year-old children.

Comparison of paracetamol and diclofenac prescribing preferences for adults in primary care.

Introduction: The most frequently prescribed analgesic drugs in primary care centers in Turkey are diclofenac and paracetamol, respectively. In this study, we aimed to compare paracetamol-included prescriptions (PIP) and diclofenac-included prescriptions (DIP) generated for adult patients in primary care.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, PIPs (n = 280 488) and DIPs (n = 337 935) created for adults by systematic sampling among primary care physicians working in Istanbul in 2016 (n = 1431) were examined.

Generic drug prescribing in primary care: A nationwide analysis.

Introduction: Dissemination of generic drug (GD) use could provide significant savings on drug expenditures and contribute to the long-term sustainability of healthcare. We aimed to exhibit the nationwide trend of GD use in primary care and investigate potentially relevant drug and patient factors.

Methods: Prescriptions written by primary care physicians in Turkey between 2013 and 2016 were analysed using the National Prescribing Information System.

Knowledge, opinions and attitudes of primary care physicians about generic drugs: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Generic drug (GD) use is affected by many factors, including physicians' approach.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, opinions and attitudes of primary care physicians (PCPs) about GDs and potentially associated factors.

Methods: An adequately representative sample (n = 354) of PCPs was determined via stratified and simple random sample selection method in this descriptive, cross-sectional study.

The effects of allopurinol on metabolic acidosis and endothelial functions in chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Hyperuricemia and metabolic acidosis have emerged as important risk factors for progression of kidney disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of allopurinol on metabolic acidosis and endothelial functions in hyperuricemic stage 2-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods: Thirty patients with stage 2-4 CKD and serum uric acid levels over 5.