Safe use of antibiotics in respiratory tract infections at paediatric outpatient setting in northern India

Ahlawat R, Tiwari P, Gupta G*

Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER),

Sector 67, SAS Nagar-160062, Punjab

*Charak Care Clinics, SAS Nagar, Punjab

Introduction: Respiratory tract infection is common and recurring problem in the paediatric population. Such infection

mostly has a viral origin and does not require an antibiotic. Therefore, the judicious uses of antibiotics are required to treat

respiratory tract infections. Irrational use of antibiotics exposed the patient to high level of risk.1, 2

Objective: To study the antibiotics utilization in respiratory

tract infections among paediatric population at a private

paediatric outpatient setting in Northern India.

Methods: Antibiotic utilization study was carried out in

a paediatric outpatient setting in northern India for period

of 7 months, on a pilot basis. The prescriptions of

children up to 18 years approaching the clinic were

studied and the data was captured from the “Wise-kid”

software. The data was analysed to determine prescribing

indicators for antibiotic utilization.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study confirmed that the antibiotics were used safely in a judicious manner. No use of

injection eliminates the risk involved with the prick. These results form a strong evidence to reflect the safe use of

antibiotics in paediatric patients.

References: 1. Drug utilization. (IUPHAR).Available at: URL: http://www.iuphar.org/pdf/hum_76.pdf. Accessed: Dec 2, 2011

2. Oshikoya KA, Ojo OI. Medication errors in paediatric outpatient prescriptions of a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Nig Q J Hosp

Med. 2007;17(2):74-8.

Results:

Table No. 2: Prescribing and complimentary indicators

Indicators Value

Percentage of encounters with an antibiotic prescribed 21.6

Percentage of antibiotics encounters from the NLEM 92

Percentage of antibiotics prescribe by Generic name 0

Percentage of antibiotics prescribed as Injection 0

Average cost spent on antibiotics INR 82

Percentage of antibiotics use in fixed dose combination 40

Table No.1: Age wise profile of patients

Age groups Male Female Total %

1-12 Months, New born 75 49 124 18

1-3 Year, Toddler 112 109 221 32

3-6 Year, Preschooler 108 95 203 30

6-12 Year, Schooler 60 59 119 17

12-18 Year,Adolescents 16 5 21 3

Total 371 317 688