Abstract

RATIONAL USE OF DRUGS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPHOID FEVER

Rabia Sana*, Nimra Nasir, ushra Ali Sherazi and Munaza Riaz

ABSTRACT

Background: Enteric fever (typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever) is caused by Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi, respectively, and results in systemic illnesses with sustained fever and abdominal symptoms. Objectives: To determine various drugs utilized in the management of typhoid fever and to study various therapeutic options for typhoid fever. To observe rational use of drugs in the management of typhoid fever. Methods: An observational crosssectional study was conducted for 2 months (August 2017-September 2017) in different hospitals of Lahore and Sheikhupura. Population of 150 typhoid fever patients was randomly selected and study was performed by filling data collection forms from patients. Collected data was analysed and results were presented in the form of tables and figures. Results: Of the total patients 60.6% fall in the range of children and young adults.60% patients were not washing hands properly and were drinking untreated water.69% patients were presrcribed with flouroquinolones PO,18% 3rd generation cephalosporins PO and 5% Azithromycin PO.Parts of prescription were complete only in 17% prescriptions and only 30% patients were provided with appropriate information about drug therapy and use of drugs and only 16% prescribers followed clinical guidelines while prescribing. 20% were relapse cases. Conclusion: Irrational prescribing of antibiotics leads to resistant strains and relapse cases increases. Promoting awareness and understanding towards suuportive care and RUD in the management of typhoid fever can better help in combating with illness.

Keywords: Typhoid fever, RUD, flouroquinolones, 3rd generation cephalosporins.