Drug utilization pattern and cost-effectiveness analysis of five most common antibiotics used in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a matter of concern worldwide as that may lead to antimicrobial drug resistance. The objective of current study was to assess drug utilization pattern and cost-effectiveness. Studies are conducted to analyze the pattern of antibiotics prescribing their adherence to standard guidelines and economic impact on the patients in order to promote their rational use. Methods The study was designed as a single-centred, cross-sectional retrospective pharmacy database study of prescribing patterns and cost-utility analysis of five most common antibiotics used in Saudi Arabia. Data for the period from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 were used in the study. Demographic characteristics were demonstrated as frequencies and percentages (with Wilson 95% confidence intervals for proportions). The chi-square test (for P-value calculation) was used to compare the adherence of National Antimicrobial Guidelines for prescribing antibiotics in Saudi Arabia. Key findings The maximum number of patients was recorded from the age group of 18–35 years (35.97%) and minimum from 72 to 88 years (1.82%). The number of units prescribed was highest for amoxicillin, clavulanic acid (22487) to 42.93% of patients and was lowest for ciprofloxacin (4215) with 8.04%. The longest duration of therapy was for Cefdenir (7.23 days) and lowest for azithromycin (3.58 days). The cost was highest for Cefdenir 38.66SR (10.31USD), and lowest cost was estimated for Cefuroxime 12.43SR (3.31USD). Conclusions Our study declared that (amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) was used the most as first-line agents in treating bacterial infections due to their broad coverage against different microbes. Conducting laboratory tests to identify the type of microbe before prescribing could prevent the development of drug resistance and save the antibiotic for future. The cost-to-benefit analysis studies of antibiotics must be conducted for each indication that may promote their rational use.