ANALYSIS OF ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIPTIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL

摘要

Objectives: This study was undertaken to analyze the prescriptions of antimicrobials in children to know which ones are being commonly prescribed and how rational they are for a given diagnosis. Methods: In a prospective observational study conducted from 31 August 2010 to 21 October 2010 in the pediatric department of a teaching hospital, we analyzed 275 prescriptions which contained antimicrobials. The demographic data, diagnosis and the antimicrobials prescribed were recorded. Results: Cephalosporins were the most often prescribed class of antimicrobials (56.36%) followed by penicillins (40.36%) and aminoglycosides (36.36%). Injection was the commonest route of administration (58.25%). Lower respiratory tract infection was the commonest diagnosis. Conclusions: By and large, the antimicrobials prescribed were appropriate for the respective diagnosis. One case of gastroenteritis and three cases of enteric fever were prescribed antimicrobial combinations that seemed irrational. No adverse drug reactions were reported in this study