Publication:

A study on the drug prescribing pattern in acute, recurrent and chronic pharyngitis at a tertiary care hospital

Background Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is often caused by infection. Common respiratory viruses account for the vast majority of cases, and these are usually self-limited. Bacteria are also important etiologic agents, and, when identified properly, may be treated with antibacterial, resulting in decreased local symptoms and prevention of serious sequelae. The objective of this study was to determine the drug prescribing pattern in acute, recurrent and chronic bacterial pharyngitis and to assess the efficacy and tolerability of AMAs.

Methods 50 subjects of either gender were included in the study to assess the prescribing pattern in acute, recurrent and chronic pharyngitis by purposive sampling method.

Results 94% subjects were between 16-45 years and mean age was 33.06±13.50. 96% were from lower middle and upper lower class. Presenting complaints were sore-throat with fever in all the subjects, Co-amoxiclav was the most commonly used antibiotic (48%) and others were cefpodoxime+clavulanic acid (36%), cefadroxil+clavulanic acid (8%), cefpodoxime (4%), cefuroxime (2%) and cefixime (2%). Concomitant medications used were NSAIDs and decongestants/mucolytic. The AMAs showed good tolerability with mild and self-limiting adverse effects which did not require discontinuation.

Conclusions Acute, recurrent and chronic bacterial pharyngitis can be effectively treated by empirical use of various antimicrobials. Co-amoxiclav can be considered as the mainstay/primary option because of the proven efficacy, good tolerability and low cost.