Study on Drug Utilization Pattern of Antibiotics in Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyse the drug utilization pattern of antibiotics in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 8 months. The prescriptions were followed on daily basis and the prescribing frequency of various antibiotics were categorized and documented. As per the WHO-ATC system the consumption of antibiotics was determined by DDD/100 bed days. Results: Out of 136 patients, 70(51.5%) were males and 66 (48.5%) were females. Majority of patients were in the age group of 18-29 years. The most common RTIs among the patients was found to be otitis media (61%), followed by sinusitis (14.7%). Majority of the patients were prescribed with cephalosporin which includes ceftriaxone (52.2%) and cefixime (37.5%). Pseudomonas aeroginosa and staphylococcus were the most isolated organisms. Pseudomonas aeroginosa shows maximum sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and staphylococcus aureus towards gentamicin and erythromycin. Conclusion: Otitis media and sinusitis were the commonly found respiratory infections and are frequently managed by cephalosporins. The study also established the consumption of various antibiotics used in the management of respiratory tract infections.