Abstract

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON A PATTERN OF ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS USAGE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL TAMILNADU

Malliga Duraipandian and Jeyakumari Duraipandian*

Abstract

Background: The resistant bacteria are on upward trend all over the world. Irrational and inappropriate prescription of antimicrobials is major contributing factor for developing drug resistance in addition to poor patient compliance. It is the high time to create awareness of antimicrobial resistance among physicians and patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of antimicrobial usage in a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu and to determine whether antimicrobials are prescribed judiciously. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to determine the current antimicrobial prescribing practices in a tertiary care hospital. A randomized sample of 140 patients’ case sheets of various departments were taken from the Medical record department and analyzed with respect to oral and parenteral administration of antimicrobials. Results: In our study 46% were males and 54% females. Majority of the patients were middle aged (44%). Duration of treatment was of three days minimum and maximum 13 days. The mean duration was 5.5 days. Common route of administration was parenteral. The parenteral drugs were metronidazole 42%, Cefotaxime 40%, ceftriaxone 33%, Amikacin 18%, Vancomycin 2% and Meropenem 1%. Among 140, 52% were empirical prescriptions, 19% directed and 28% targeted prescriptions. Conclusions: The most frequently used antimicrobials were Metronidazole, Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone. Antimicrobials commonly used were for lower respiratory tract infection. The proportion of targeted prescriptions was low compared to empirical prescriptions. Antimicrobials have to be prescribed rationally based on antibiotic policy. In near future we should follow the recommendations of antibiotic stewardship relevant to the infections addressed in the guidelines.

Keywords: Antimicrobial agents, Drug resistance, rational prescription, antibiotic policy, antibiotic stewardship.