DRUG UTILIZATION STUDY ON ANTIBIOTICS USE IN LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for the lower respiratory tract infection. But if antibiotics are not used rationally then there will be increase chances of resistance of bacteria as well as increase in the total cost of treatment. This study was conducted to see the antibiotics utilization pattern. 

Aim:  This drug utilization study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of antibiotics use in Medicine Department of a Krishna Hospital, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Method: Data was retrospectively collected.  The obtained data was examined and were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using Microsoft excel.

Result: 96 case records were examined of which 46.87% were LRTI(nonspecific LRTI& acute bronchitis) and 51% were pneumonia. Female accounted for 53.12% and male for 46.87 % of total cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicators (utilization in defined daily doses (DDD); DDD/1000inhibitant/day) were used and the ATC/DDD method was implemented. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was ceftriaxone, followed by Azithromycin.

Conclusion: The DDD/1000inhibitant/day of Azithromycin was the highest (5.74). Average treatment period was found to be 5.42 and 6.52 for LRTI (nonspecific LRTI and Acute Bronchitis) and pneumonia respectively. A total of 96 cases studied; in which 33cases had mono-antibiotic therapy (33.37%) and rest contained poly-antibiotics therapy (66.63%).Prescribing by generic names has to be encouraged.