Abstract
Use of anticoagulants and analgesics among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Kosovo
Institute of Pharmacology with Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
Pediatrics’ Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
Pulmonary Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
Cardiology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
Children’s Surgery Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
UBT College, Prishtina, Kosovo
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
Family Medicine & Primary Care Review 2026; 28(2): 144–149
Background
Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the large number of urgent cases, there was a clinical emergency for the treatment of these inpatients with anti-thrombotic and analgesic drugs.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of anticoagulants and analgesics, as well as the safety profiles and therapeutic outcomes, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK).
Material and methods
A retrospective cross-sectional pharmaco-epidemiological study was conducted on 190 COVID-19 inpatients admitted to the UCCK Pulmonary Disease Clinic between July 1 and September 30, 2021.
Results
The study population comprised of 94 men (49.47%) and 96 women (50.53%) with an average age of 56.9 and 57.4 years, respectively. The average length of hospitalization was 11.26 days for men and 10.4 days for women, with no significant differences between genders (p > 0.05). Antithrombotic therapy was administered in 94.20% of patients, mainly with Nadroparin (121.63 DDD/1000 BD). Analgesics were used in 56.84% of patients, with diclofenac (29.21 DDD/1000 BD) and codeine combinations (24.91 DDD/1000 BD) being the most commonly used. No serious adverse events, including hemorrhages, occurred in patients taking anticoagulants.
Conclusions
This study highlights the frequent prescription of antithrombotic and analgesic medications in COVID-19 inpatients, with a preference for Nadroparin and NSAIDs. The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols to improve treatment strategies and minimize the risks of off-label drug prescribing. Ongoing studies are essential to evaluate long-term outcomes and optimize prescribing approaches for potential future pandemics.
Keywords
fibrinolytic agents, analgesics, COVID-19, safety, prescriptions
