Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF PRESCRIBING PATTERN AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS USED IN PNEUMONIA AND BRONCHIOLITIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Mrs Dhanya T, M Pharm*, Mrs Shamna sadan and Dr Balraj G,

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Antibiotics are one of the most prescribed drugs for pneumonia and bronchiolitis. It reduces morbidity and mortality in pediatric population. It is highly necessary for the clinical pharmacist to review and clinically check all prescriptions presented at the wards. The study aims to the prescribing pattern of antibiotics used in the management of pneumonia and bronchiolitis & assess the factors affecting the antibiotic prescribing pattern. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in 116 patients, diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Each patients demographic details, prescribed drugs, reason for admission, Antibiotics prescribed from essential medicine list, factors affecting Prescribing pattern was noted from patients case sheets and patients parents interview. Results and Discussion: In pneumonia patients Ampicillin was prescribed for majority of patients (40%). Antibiotics prescribed from EML (Essential medicine list) were 97%. Main factors consider prescribing antibiotics were Complete blood count + ESR + Chest x ray and Weight of the patient. In bronchiolitis patients Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid was prescribed for majority of patients. Antibiotics prescribed from EML were 87%. Type of infection is considered as main factor. Conclusion: most predominant antibiotic prescribed for the Pneumonia and Bronchiolitis were Amino Penicillins. Most of the antibiotics are prescribed from EML. Weight of the patient is used in the dose calculation. In most of the cases Antibiotics prescribed after complete blood count + ESR + chest x ray. Generic prescriptions are less in both cases.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Pneumonia, Bronchiolitis.