Abstract :
Introduction: There exists a wide range of variation in the prices of drugs marketed in India and other
parts of the world. In the Indian market, various probiotic drugs of different brands, different combinations
and different dosage forms are available.
Aim & Objectives: To evaluate the cost of Lactobacillus combinations of different brands of one dosage
form and difference in cost of different brands of the same dosage form by calculating the percentage
variation of cost.
Materials and Methods: The retail cost of different Lactobacillus combinations being manufactured by
different companies, in the same dosage form was compared. The difference in the maximum and minimum
price of the same dosage form manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was calculated and the
percentage variation in price of same dosage form was calculated.
Results: Among Lactobacillus combinations of different dosage forms, the percentage variation in price
of powder form, tablet form, capsule form and liquid dosage form were 380.7%, 578.5%, 3446.6% and
338.3% respectively.
Conclusion: The average percentage price variation of different brands of Lactobacillus combinations of
the same dosage form manufactured in India was very wide. The appraisal and management of selling
drugs should be directed towards maximizing the advantages of therapy and minimizing negative personal
and economic outcomes.
Keyword :
Lactobacillus combinations, Percentage variation in price.