Pattern of Antihypertensive Drug Use in a Secondary Healthcare Facility in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, and the rational use of antihypertensive agents is critical to achieving blood pressure control and preventing end-organ damage. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines, prescribing variability remains a challenge in many Nigerian facilities. This study examined the pattern of antihypertensive drug use at a secondary healthcare facility in Ibadan, Oyo State. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over three months at the General Outpatient Department of a state general hospital. Prescriptions of 280 hypertensive patients were retrieved and analysed for drug class distribution, combination regimens, adherence to national hypertension treatment guidelines, and blood pressure control rates. Results: Calcium channel blockers (52%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (34%) were the most prescribed drug classes. Combination therapy was used in 48 percent of patients, and blood pressure was controlled in 44 percent of reviewed cases. Drug prescribing showed moderate concordance with the Nigerian Hypertension Society guidelines. Conclusion: Antihypertensive prescribing at this facility shows reasonable alignment with guidelines but blood pressure control rates remain suboptimal. Strengthening patient follow-up, adherence counselling, and prescriber education could improve outcomes. Keywords: antihypertensive drugs, hypertension, prescribing pattern, Ibadan, blood pressure control