Antibiotic prescription habits of dentists in major cities of Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic prescription habits and trends of dentists of major cities of Pakistan. It was a descriptive study of antibiotic usage by dentists of 7 major cities of Pakistan, using data given by Aventis Pharmaceutical Company, Karachi, Pakistan. The data comprise of the total prescriptions, city wise, gender wise, patient wise and specialty wise breakup of sales of antibiotics. The data constituted dental antibiotics prescriptions which were given in percentage and numbers for all the different cities. The study showed that the antibiotic prescription has increased over the years from 2000 to 2008. Multan 318 to 415 / 1800 showed the most number of prescriptions. Penicillin was the main group prescribed. Most antibiotics were given for pulpal/periapical disease [343000 in 2008] to the age group 11-40 years old [65-70%from 2000-2008], and in general dental practice clinics [65-68%]. Antibiotic prescription habits of dentists vary in different cities of Pakistan. There is a need to develop guidelines to improve knowledge and to prevent antibiotic resistance