Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTICS IN PAEDIATRIC INPATIENTS IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Amratha K. Thomas, Jeena Jacob, Jesteena J. and Shaji George*

Abstract

Objectives: To perceive the drug utilisation evaluation of antibiotics in paediatric in-patient admitted in a private hospital. Methods: In this prospective observational study conducted in a secondary care hospital under the pediatric department patient data along with demographic details and medical details like name, sex, age, weight, past medical history, past medication, lab value, diagnosis, drug dosage regimen(dosage form, route, frequency, dose), etc. were collected and included in the study. The data required was collected from case records and documented to determine antibiotic utilization among the patients. Results: Out of 100 cases collected, 92% of the population received antibiotics. A total of 106 antibiotics were requested in the prescription of 92 cases. Still, the brand name was the most preferred way of prescribing (83.96%) and just 16.03% of the antibiotic prescriptions were written in generic names. Out of the 106 antibiotic prescriptions, 62.26% of antibiotics were prescribed twice-daily regimen followed by 33.01% of antibiotics prescribed thrice a day and only 4.71% of antibiotics were prescribed once daily. The most commonly seen disease condition was URTI, Bronchitis, acute gastroenteritis, and bronchopneumonia. In 73.9% of cases, antibiotics were prescribed without any culture and sensitivity test, indicating prophylactic planning. Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate combination was the most common antibiotic utilized. Conclusion: The study states that the antibiotic therapy for patients, in the majority does not involve culture and sensitivity tests, which in turn can lead to irrational prescription with an excess of antibiotics administration in inappropriate dosing and finally leading to resistance.

Keywords: DUE, antibiotics, pediatrics, prescribing.