Abstract

USE OF ANTIBIOTICS FOR RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

Mohamed Ahmed*, Dr. Tahmeena Begum, Dr. Faiz Unnisa Begum, Dr. Md Avez Ali, SK. Shakeel Pasha and Dr. Moazam Ali.

ABSTRACT

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are one of the major causes of morbidity and decreased quality of life because of climate and pollution. The Objective of present study is to analyze the rationality of antibiotic use in adult patients with RTI. A Retrospective study was carried out in medical records department at a teaching hospital, Gulbarga.For a period of four months from 1st April 2010 to 30th July 2010. In this study, 60 prescriptions were analyzed. Out of 60 prescriptions, most of them were prescribed with more than one antibiotic. 90% of the prescriptions (54) were prescribed without any microbial culture sensitivity tests. The distribution of disease among 60 prescription are upper respiratory infection tract URTI, lower respiratory tract infection LRTI, asthma, viral respiratory tract infection are 28.33%,20%,13.33%,28.33%,8.33% respectively. 37(60%) contained more than one antibiotic. 29(48.30%) contained 3rd generation cephalospirin to treat RTI. Broad spectrum antibiotics are used for viral RTI which are self-limiting. This irrational use of antibiotics raises the risk of antibiotic resistance. Hence there is a need to appoint a clinical pharmacist at various levels in the health care setup to supervise and evaluate the prescriptions, to provide better patient care services and give a feed back to the physicians to improve the prescribing skills.

Keywords: Respiratory tract infections, Antibiotic, Resistance, Rationality, Patient care.