A study on the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the Inpatient Department of Pediatric patients

Abstract

Aim: A study on the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the in-patient department of pediatric patients. Objective: The
main objective is to evaluate the prescribing pattern of Antibiotics in paediatrics and to assess the rational use of
antibiotics. Method: Prospective observational study of Six month’s duration was undertaken. A total number of 92
prescriptions were screened and enrolled for antibiotic study. Patient data relevant to the study was obtained from the
prescriptions in direct interview with in- patients under antibiotic therapy and Children between the age group of 1-16
years. Results: A total of 92 paediatric patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. According to our study there
were a total of 41boys (44.5%) and 51 girls (55.4%). Among 92 patients, the highest number of patients was in the age
group of 6-12 years i.e.43.4% and lowest number was in the age group of 1-3 years i.e.10.8%. In our study, Cephalosporin
antibiotics were found to be widely prescribed. Among all these Cephalosporin antibiotics- Ceftriaxone (49%) was the
leading antibiotic prescribed followed by Cefixime (13%), Cefotaxime (13%) and least prescribed antibiotic was found to
be Nitroimidazole antibiotics- Metronidazole (5.40%). Conclusion: Prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics though has
increased demonstrably which may result in development of bacterial resistance, however development of guidelines for
antibiotic prescription and regular Prescription audits have to be done periodically to assess rationality and correct,
whenever necessary, in order to make better practice to avoid untoward effects.