Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON DRUG UTILISATION PATTERN OF CEPHALOSPORINS IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

Monisha Mohan*, Mathew George, Lincy Joseph and Dr. Sujith K.

Abstract

Objective: Drug Utilization Pattern are defined by WHO in 1977 as “the marketing, distribution, prescription and the use of drugs in a society, with special emphasis on the resulting medical, social and economic consequences”. Aim is to evaluate the Drug Utilization Pattern of cephalosporins in respiratory tract infections. Methods: In a prospective observational study performed over a 6 months period (2017-2018), hospitalized adult patients who received cephalosporins for respiratory tract infections were selected. The collected data included demographic details, information regarding cough, phlegm, periods of cough and phlegm, breathlessness, wheezing, chest illness, past illness, tobacco and smoking. Findings: Over the study period 185 patients were evaluated. Lower Respiratory Tract infected patients (130) 70.3% were more than Upper Respiratory Tract (55) 29.7%. Majority patients came with a complaint of breathing (113) 61.1% difficulty following by acute exacerbation of COPD (39) 21.1%. First, second and third generation cephalosporins was prescribed. Out of which, third generation were mostly prescribed than the other two; ceftriaxone 51.4% and cefixime 22.2%. Around (83) 44.9% patients were having co-morbid conditions, diabetes followed by hypertension.

Keywords: cephalosporins, Drug Utilisation Pattern, Respiratory Tract Infection, ceftriaxone.