Prescribing pattern and pharmacoeconomics of antibiotic use in the department of pediatrics of a tertiary care medical college hospital in northern India

Abstract

Background: Systemic antibiotics account for more than one third of all prescriptions for children; hence, antibiotic prescriptions for children lead to major public health concerns. Moreover, data regarding rational antibiotic use in children are very limited. Hence, it is essential that the antibiotic prescribing pattern be evaluated periodically to determine the rationality of its use and cost. Objectives: The aim of our study is to identify the prescribing pattern and to carry out the cost-identification analysis of antibiotic use in the patients admitted in the pediatrics department of a tertiary care hospital in North India. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for 2 months in the pediatric ward and intensive care unit (ICU). The data regarding patient demographics and antibiotic use were collected daily in a structured pro forma. A descriptive analysis of the data was done. Results: A total of 191 patients were enrolled, most of them belonging to the age group of 2-14 years. Majority of the patients were males (75.9%). On an average, 1.9 antimicrobial agents (AMAs) were prescribed per patient. The most common AMAs prescribed were cephalosporins followed by aminoglycosides. The preferred route of administration was parenteral (92%). The average cost of treatment per patient was estimated to be `3,338. The percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 58%. Conclusions: Since our hospital is a major referral center of the state, newer generation of antibiotics are more commonly prescribed here. Hence, the cost of therapy is high. This baseline study will help in formulating an antibiotic policy and the standard treatment guidelines (STG) for appropriate use of antibiotics.