A study on prescription pattern and safety profile of antimicrobial agents in medicine department of tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Antimicrobial agents (AMAs) are an integral part of management of diseases in the department of general medicine, and a wide range of antimicrobials are used for prevention, prophylaxis, or treatment of various infectious diseases. Systematic studies regarding the pattern of AMAs use may help in improving the quality of patient care by evidence-based practices and also in formulating effective antimicrobial usage guidelines. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows (i) To analyze the prescribing trends of Antimicrobials in Medicine wards of a Tertiary Care Hospital; (ii) to assess safety profile of AMAs; and (iii) to analyze extraneous factors influencing AMAs prescription. Materials and Methods: The prospective analysis of Antimicrobial prescriptions of Medicine wards for the period of July 2018–August 2019. The class of AMAs, formulation, dose, route of administration, frequency, and duration of administration and their safety was assessed using the WHO indicators. Results: The most frequently used AMAs were third generation cephalosporin (Ceftriaxone) and it was frequently combined with metronidazole. The choice of initial AMAs was empirical, which was later changed depending on the clinical response. The AMAs were effective in preventing or controlling infections and well tolerated without any serious adverse reactions or drug interactions. Conclusions: The rational use of AMAs is necessary to control worldwide emergence of antibacterial resistance, side effects, and to reduce the cost of treatment.