Drug use evaluation and rational prescription audit of restricted antibiotics in tertiary care corporate hospital: An interventional study

Abstract

: Antimicrobial agent are the biggest contribution to 20th century, which are used to prevent and cure of the infections. Over use of antimicrobials has facilitated the development of resistance. Drug utilization research help in identification of clinical use of drugs in populations and its impact on healthcare system.: The aim of the study is to identify the overuse/misuse of the antibiotic usage in our intensive care unit. which helps in rationalising the antibiotic prescription and to avoid emergence of drug resistance and to improve better patient’s outcome. An observational audit has been conducted in inpatient admitted in our set up and has been prescribed with restricted antimicrobials. The audit has been done for 3 months. The Audit report for 218 patients have been prescribed with Restricted antimicrobials either one or more than one. The audit report shows that Meropenem and Colistin was prescribed more often 81 and 73 respectively. Geriatric Patients have been prrscribed more with Antimicrobials than other age groups. 193 patients were on single Restricted antimicrobial therapy, 24 patients were on dual restricted antimicrobial therapy and one patient was on more than 2 Restricted antimicrobial therapy. Out of 218 Prescription having Restricted Antibiotics, 39 prescription were found irrational. A wide spectrum of clinical diagnoses and a variety of drugs were utilized from various antibiotic classes. Results showed that Carbapenems(Meropenem) antibiotics were extensively used in ICU. Among Colistin and Vancomycin was most commonly prescribed. Policy for rational usage of restricted antimicrobial agents in ICU should be implemented and education needs to be provided.