Retrospective survey of antibiotic prescriptions in dentistry.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate dentists' prescription writing patterns and their appreciation of the characteristics of antibiotics.


METHODS
Evaluation of drug prescriptions written over a six-month period.


METHODS
Dental Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 313 prescriptions written by dentists attending to outpatient dental patients.


RESULTS
The total number of drugs on one prescription ranged from one to seven with Penicillins being the most commonly prescribed drug. Some prescriptions were found to be incorrect with regards to dose, frequency, and duration. Instructions as to the best time of administering drugs with regards to meals were not stated in any prescription.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvement through continuing education is desired on the part of prescribers to ensure a good standard of care and avoid practices that may increase antimicrobial resistance. Drug information services including side effects and drug interactions for professionals and consumers at the hospital is highly desirable.
Ogunbodede
E O
EO
Department of Preventive Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Fatusi
Olawunmi A
OA
Folayan
M O
MO
Olayiwola
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003813:Dentistry; D004347:Drug Interactions; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents