Abstract

UTILISATION OF ANTIBIOTICS IN VARIOUS CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS IN A TERTIARY TEACHING RURAL HOSPITAL, TAMIL NADU

Sumi Reji*, Aditya Senan, Phiney Treesa Philip, Dr. Arbind Kumar

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of this study is to analyse the use of antibiotics in various departments which includes the identification of rationality in antibiotic prescription, followed by the evaluation for indications, side effects, class of antibiotics, and prescriptions with generic and brand names. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire study done in primary teaching rural hospital after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee with a well-defined proforma for a period of four months. Results: A total of 1024 antibiotic prescriptions were analysed out of which 563 (54.98%) were male, 461 (45.01%) were female. 786 (76.75%) inpatients 238(23.24%) were outpatients. Average number of drugs per prescriptions was 7.125(7 approx.) drugs. Out of 7296 drugs, 1218 were antibiotics which came around the average of 1.18 (1 approx.) per prescription. 695 prescriptions were without combinations, two drug combinations in 323 prescriptions, and 6 prescriptions with three drug combinations. 929 prescriptions were prescribed for indication and 95 of them were prescribed without indications. Cephalosporins (266 patients) were the class of drugs prescribed frequently, followed by Aminopenicillins (235 patients), Fluoroquinolones (1565patients), Aminoglycosides (13 patients), Macrolides (9 patients), Tetracyclines (9 patients). Out of the 1024 prescriptions, 439 prescriptions (42.87%) were prescribed in generic whereas 585 (57.12%) in brand names. 376 prescriptions (36.71%) were in capitals whereas 646 prescriptions (63.08%) were without capitals. Conclusion: Our study showed least number prescriptions with capital letters which is to be educated among the physicians. Prescribing antibiotics without indication should be controlled in order to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Rational Drug Use, Drug Use Evaluation, Prescription Pattern.