Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS IN OUTPATIENTS VISITING THE DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Reza Amiri*, Bahar Shirooei, Bharat K L, Samira Hajatifard

ABSTRACT

Background: Determining the administration pattern of antimicrobial drugs is important because many of these drugs are associated with increased resistance over time, and on the other hand, the use of some drugs due to the associated side effects may even be associated with an increased risk of morbidity. The present study aimed to find the pattern of usage of antifungal agents in the treatment of fungal infections and rationality used in prescribing them using drug utilization evaluation strategy. Methods: This prospective observational study was performed on consecutive patients of either gender treated for fungal infection at out-patients visiting dermatology department of Jayanagar general hospital, Bangalore. The study was carried out by collecting information from patients’ recorded files including patient demographic details, history notes, and treatment charts. Results: Out of 70 prescriptions, 373 antifungal drugs were prescribed out of that fluconazole were used for 15.5% followed by ketoconazole soap for 30.3%, mometasone for 21.7%, itraconazole for 14.7%, ketoconazole lotion for 8.8%, luliconazole for 4.8%, miconasole for 3.7%, and ketoconazole cream for 0.5%. Regarding root of administration, topical route was the most frequently prescribed route in 69% followed by oral root in 30.3%. Conclusion: Due to the common use of two groups of antifungal drugs including fluconazole as oral and ketoconazole as topical, continuous evaluation of drug resistance in this center will be essential.

Keywords: Antifungal; medication; drug utilization evaluation.