Evaluation of Antibiotics Used in COVID-19 Patients in West of Iran: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: In coronavirus disease (COVID-19), antibiotics are frequently prescribed to treat bacterial co-infections. Moreover, antibiotics are one of the pre-eminent essential drugs utilized in treatment. However, due to their high cost and association with resistance, their consumption pattern is important to be considered. In this regard, the first step is to optimize the use of these drugs. Objective: Regarding limited data on assessing the pandemic effect on antibiotics used in Iran, this study aimed to describe the evaluation of antibiotics used in COVID-19 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in West Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 350 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in hospitals, and their characteristics, such as age, sex, ward, beginning and conclusion dates, organization intervals, dose, and the type of antibiotic utilized, were assessed. It was found that 180 COVID-19 patients received systemic antibiotics. Antibiotic administration was analyzed based on a Defined Daily Dose (DDD) /100-bed days (expended per 100-bed occupied days). Results: A total of 180 (51.43%) of the COVID-19 patients received antimicrobials, comparable to 219.62 DDD/100-bed days. Moreover, 85% of the antimicrobials were infused, and 15% were oral. Among the wards, the highest rate was in the infectious and intensive care unit (ICU) wards and the lowest in the obstetrics and gynecology wards. Conclusion: The use of antibiotics in patients with COVID-19 was assessed as very high, which should be reviewed in terms of the association between misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of resistance.