Utilization of antihypertensive drugs in certain European countries

The consumption of various groups of antihypertensive drugs in Spain during the period 1977-1981 has been measured by the DDD method. The total consumption of the drugs did not change much during this time. Combinations of thiazides with other hypotensives accounted for more than half the total antihypertensive drugs used. The consumption of rauwolfia and its derivatives, and of dihydralazine, was higher than of beta-blockers and methyldopa. Total consumption of antihypertensives in 1981 was 37.5 DDDs/1 000 inhab/day, which was much lower than in Denmark (136.6 DDDs/1 000 inhab/day), Finland (114.5), Iceland (92.2), Norway (89.4) and Sweden (138.7). Wide qualitative differences between countries were also identified. Although other factors may play a role, it is suggested that these striking differences may be due to differences in general health policy and in the pharmaceutical markets.