Safe use of antibiotics in respiratory tract infections at paediatric outpatient setting in northern India
Ahlawat R, Tiwari P, Gupta G*
Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER),
Sector 67, SAS Nagar-160062, Punjab
*Charak Care Clinics, SAS Nagar, Punjab
Introduction: Respiratory tract infection is common and recurring problem in the paediatric population. Such infection
mostly has a viral origin and does not require an antibiotic. Therefore, the judicious uses of antibiotics are required to treat
respiratory tract infections. Irrational use of antibiotics exposed the patient to high level of risk.1, 2
Objective: To study the antibiotics utilization in respiratory
tract infections among paediatric population at a private
paediatric outpatient setting in Northern India.
Methods: Antibiotic utilization study was carried out in
a paediatric outpatient setting in northern India for period
of 7 months, on a pilot basis. The prescriptions of
children up to 18 years approaching the clinic were
studied and the data was captured from the “Wise-kid”
software. The data was analysed to determine prescribing
indicators for antibiotic utilization.
Conclusion: The results of this pilot study confirmed that the antibiotics were used safely in a judicious manner. No use of
injection eliminates the risk involved with the prick. These results form a strong evidence to reflect the safe use of
antibiotics in paediatric patients.
References: 1. Drug utilization. (IUPHAR).Available at: URL: http://www.iuphar.org/pdf/hum_76.pdf. Accessed: Dec 2, 2011
2. Oshikoya KA, Ojo OI. Medication errors in paediatric outpatient prescriptions of a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Nig Q J Hosp
Med. 2007;17(2):74-8.
Results:
Table No. 2: Prescribing and complimentary indicators
Indicators Value
Percentage of encounters with an antibiotic prescribed 21.6
Percentage of antibiotics encounters from the NLEM 92
Percentage of antibiotics prescribe by Generic name 0
Percentage of antibiotics prescribed as Injection 0
Average cost spent on antibiotics INR 82
Percentage of antibiotics use in fixed dose combination 40
Table No.1: Age wise profile of patients
Age groups Male Female Total %
1-12 Months, New born 75 49 124 18
1-3 Year, Toddler 112 109 221 32
3-6 Year, Preschooler 108 95 203 30
6-12 Year, Schooler 60 59 119 17
12-18 Year,Adolescents 16 5 21 3
Total 371 317 688
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