Study of antibiotic prescribing among dental practitioners in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics by health care professionals is a worldwide concern. This study evaluated the knowledge and practices of dental practitioners in the city of Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran regarding their therapeutic use of antibiotics for patients with dentoalveolar infections. Of 219 [48.6%] dentists responding to the questionnaire more than 40% would prescribe antibiotics for localized fluctuant swelling and for problems for which antibiotics are not required according to good practice guidelines [acute pulpitis, chronic apical infection, periodontal abscess, chronic gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, pericoronitis and dry socket]. A majority correctly prescribed antibiotics for acute periapical infection [77.2%], cellulitis [75.3%] and acute ulcerated gingivitis [63.0%]. Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for all clinical conditions but there was a wide variation in dosage, frequency and duration for all antibiotics used. Guidelines on rational antibiotic use are needed for dental practitioners in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Evaluation of prophylactic antibiotic administration at the surgical ward of a major referral hospital, Islamic Republic of Iran

We evaluated the appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis administered before surgery at a major referral hospital in Shiraz, against the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists [ASHP] guidelines. Data on surgical procedure, choice of antibiotic and administration were gathered for all surgeries performed on hospitalized patients during 15 days in March 2010, Of 155 patients included in the analysis, 98% received prophylactic antibiotic before surgery; according to ASHP guidelines, prophylaxis was needed in only 106 [68.4%]. Of these 106, only 8 patients received the correct antibiotic regimen. The commonest regimens administered were cefazolin + gentamicin [47.6%], cefazolin [20.5%] and cefuroxime [8.5%]. Antibiotic prophylaxis was continued in 83% of cases, while this was necessary in only 37%. In only 1 surgical procedure were all evaluated parameters correct