Publication:

Prescription pattern of antimicrobial drugs in pediatrics outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India

Background The pediatric population comprises of 20-25% of the total world population, and numerous acute and chronic diseases can effect this sub population. Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed classes of medications for children.

Methods The study is prospective interventional study carried out in the pediatric outpatient of the MIMS for a period of 3 months (September-November 2013+1 month for analysis).

Results Most (84%) children were given single antimicrobial agent and 16% were given more than one antimicrobial or fixed dose combination of the antimicrobial agent. Amoxicillin (48%), erythromycin (20%) and cefixime (16%) were found to be the most frequently used antibiotics.

Conclusions The high percentage of prescriptions involving antimicrobials observed in MIMS requires rational use of antimicrobials and judicious prescribing. It should be followed by the appropriate use of the selected medicine from the NLEM with frequent update of information. The implementation of antibiotic policy and treatment guidelines with periodic assessment of the clinical pharmacologist in the study area is very important in order to monitor the clinical use of these medications.