Drug Utilization Study On Antibiotics In The Department Of Medicine At A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

- Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the utilization and prescription pattern of antibiotics in the department of general medicine for ensuring the rational drug therapy. Method: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted over a period of six months in a tertiary care hospital enrolling 250 patients. Case records were retrospectively reviewed for the demographic data, clinical presentation, investigational management and outcomes. Data analysis were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2010, SPSS (Version 1.0.0.1406). Results: In the study most commonly prescribed antibiotics were cephalosporins / sulbactam followed by meropenem. Total 13 ADR were reported. The overall cost of prescription was reduced to 19.14% if the proposed alternate 1 category of brands were used and 33.17% reduction with alternate 2 category of brands, which would help in minimizing the patient expenditure. Conclusion: This study provided an insight into the drug utilization pattern of Antibiotics and the rationality behind the antibiotic usage. ADRs are common occurrence, but are often not recognized, even if