Patterns of Opioid and NSAID Use in Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2020

The use of analgesics has increased globally over the last three decades. Prescription drug abuse has increased significantly, and opioids have been identified as causing further harm to the world. This study explored the utilization and expenditure associated with opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from 2010 to 2020 in Saudi Arabia. This descriptive time-series analysis was conducted in two major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2010 and 2020. Data were collected from the inpatients, outpatients, and emergency departments of the Security Force Hospital and King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh. The analgesics examined included celecoxib, diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, lornoxicam, mefenamic acid, paracetamol, and tramadol. A total of 48,106 analgesics were prescribed during this period. Peak utilization of all opioid and NSAID products occurred in 2019. Paracetamol accounted for 29.33% of all prescriptions. However, in 2020, tramadol prescriptions were the highest, accounting for 2,798 prescriptions. The average price per prescription unit decreased between 2012 and 2019 and increased in 2020 from SAR 0.87 to SAR 4.50 per unit. This study’s findings can guide healthcare policy and practices and enhance the quality of treatment for patients who require analgesic treatment.