Pattern of Antibiotic Prescriptions in Dentistry in Turkey: Population Based Data from the Prescription Information System

Abstract

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License. ABSTRACT Objective: Irrational use of antibiotics is a significant global health care problem which causes antibiotic resistance. Population-based antibiotic prescribing data in dentistry have not been extensively studied in Turkey and many other countries. This study aimed to describe the antibiotic prescription attitudes of dentists in Turkey by using population-based data. Materials and Methods: Data on systemic antibiotics prescribed by dentists to the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency’s Prescription Information System were retrospectively collected between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2015. Results: The rate of antibiotic-containing prescriptions was 82.4%. The overall number of drugs per prescription was 2.18, and the overall number of antibiotics per prescription was 1.01. Antibiotics were more frequently prescribed to females (53.8%) and adults (73.5%). According to the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)-3 analysis, “J01C, beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins” were the most commonly prescribed agents (71.3%). In ATC-4 subgroup analysis, “J01CR, penicillin combinations, including beta-lactamase inhibitors” were the most commonly prescribed agents (60.9%). In ATC-5 subgroup analysis, “J01CR02, amoxicillin and enzyme inhibitor” were the most frequently prescribed agents (57.6%), followed by “J01FA02, spiramycin” (10.7%). Metronidazole, which is commonly used in dental infections, was not frequently prescribed by Turkish dentists. Conversely, spiramycin was prescribed more frequently than anticipated. Conclusion: The present data show a high antibiotic prescribing rate among dentists in Turkey. Turkish dentists prefer to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics. This extremely high prescribing rate reflects the irrational use of antibiotics by Turkish dentists. Training programs on rational antibiotic use are required for dentists to reduce prescription rate.