Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS OF RURAL TERITIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Ramanath K. V.* and Nabeelsha M. C.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Respiratory tract infections are very common and can be characterized by any infection of the upper (URTIs) or lower respiratory tract (LRTI). Hence the study of drug usage in URTI and LRTI will helps in understanding the types of drugs use. Objective: To study the drug utilization pattern in respiratory tract infection. Methodology: A prospective and observational study was carried out in Adichunchanagiri hospital and Research centre, over a period of 9 months. A well designed data collection form was used to record/collect all the necessary data. The obtained data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: This study showed that RTIs occurs more in 60-71years male patients. It was found that the most costly antibiotic was used in LRTI with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus (2459.75+1275.55) followed by pneumonia (1715.50+621.88). The most costly respiratory drugs was used in Treatment of Asthma with Diabetes Mellitus with Ischemic Heart disease (995.00+245.76) followed by LRTI with Diabetes Mellitus. In RTIs, the most common prescribed classes of respiratory drugs are Anticholinergics and Corticosteroids, followed by mucolytics. The most prescribed category of respiratory drugs are Ipratropium bromide + salbutamol, hydrocortisone and budesonide. In patients with RTIs, the most prescribed antibiotic was a combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid, followed by Ceftriaxone. The most commonly prescribed other drug is proton pump inhibitors and diuretics. Conclusion: Prescribing pattern and usage of antibiotics are more compared to other drugs, Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid are most commonly prescribed antibiotics in various RTIs, and also prescribing pattern in the brand name are higher than the generic name.

Keywords: RTI: Respiratory tract infection, URTI: Upper respiratory tract infection, LRTI: Lower respiratory tract infection, DUR: drug utilization review.