ABSTRACT
To study the pattern of utilisation of antimicrobials, a one year prospective survey in a paediatric unit, including neonataology, was undertaken at MS Ramaiah Medical Teaching Hospital, Bangalore, India. The parameters studied to assess the appropriateness of the use were the choice of drug, dosage, duration, route of administration and whether the prescribing was therapeutic or prophylactic. Of the 200 cases analysed, 85% received antimicrobial agents [AMAs]; 49% of these were found to be appropriate. The choice was inappropriate in 20%, the duration was too long in 28% and dosage was wrong in 3%. The most common route of administration was parenteral. In the paediatric ward prescription was largely therapeutic, whereas in neonatology it was prophylactic in 59% of the patients. Amikacin and cefotaxime were the two most commonly prescribed AMAs in neonatology. The clinical relevance of the prescription is discussed