Use of access, watch, reserve and unclassed antibiotics in pediatric practice

Abstract

Rational use of antibiotics is important in all ages. However, this issue is particularly relevant for pediatric patients. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in children increases bacterial resistance and poses the difficulties for future, same time; antibiotics are toxic and have a detrimental effect on the Human body. In 2019, the World Health Organization created a special classification, which divides antibiotics with 4 groups: Access, Watch, Reserve and Unclassed. Aim of our study was to describe antibiotic using in pediatric patients according to WHO classification. The survey was produced in 2017-2019 year in 21 Georgian hospitals. The method involved collecting information about antibiotic prescribing for patients in all departments of the clinic, within one working day. Results of our study revealed that in pediatric patients commonly prescribed antibiotics are from Watch group. In the second place are Access antibiotics, followed by Un- classed and reserve antibiotics. Majority antibiotics are prescribed for lower respiratory tract infections and Watch antibiotic-ceftriaxone in commonly used generic in pediatric patients. Georgia has high use of Watch and Unclassed antibiotics in pediatric patients compared to 56 countries around the world.