A Study on Drug Utilization of Antibiotics in Respiratory Tract Infections among Geriartrics
Abstract
Back ground: Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) often pose a major threat for geriatric patients (>60 years) who are at higher risk of developing complications. The first line treatments for RTIs are antibiotics which help in reducing the infection. As there is increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance it is necessary to conduct drug utilization of antibiotics which helps in better understanding about errors and risks involved in prescriptions.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to access the prescribing pattern, appropriate use of antibiotics and inappropriateness of antibiotics in viral infections.
Methodology: The present study is a prospective observational study. The study included 110 patients which included the evaluation of the patients medical records of antibiotics, sputum culture reports and physician records.
Results: Out of 110 geriartric RTI patients, female (59.09%) were more predominantly affected over males (40.90%). Among the RTIs diagnosed pneumonia (40%) was higher followed by LRTI (28.18%). The common signs and symptoms found were breathlessness (34.54%) with major comorbidity of diabetes milletus (47.31%). Piperacillin + tazobactam (40.90%) was the mostly prescribed antibiotic for both gram positive (Streptococci) and gram negative (E. coli) bacteria which was given through I.V. (90%). Total drug interactions and medication errors were 13.03% and 3.32% respectively.
Conclusion: The present study gives an overview of antibiotics use and complications involved in geriatric population diagnosed with RTIs. Appropriate antibiotic usage according to Hospital Antibiotic Policy was observed in the study site with lower number of medication errors and drug interactions.
Key words: Respiratory Tract Infections, drug utilization, antibiotics, geriatrics.
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References
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