Drug utilization review of cephalosporins in a secondary care hospital in United Arab Emirates.
Background Cephalosporins are one of the most commonly used antibiotics in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Few studies have been carried out to evaluate the antibiotic utilization pattern in UAE in spite of the obvious increase in cephalosporins resistance during the past decade. Objective To assess the prescriptions pattern of cephalosporins among physicians at a secondary care hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Method This observational prospective study was carried out during October 2013 to April 2014. The data of in patients were documented in the predesigned patient profile form and was analyzed for patient's, drug's and drug's therapy related parameters. Results The 3rd generation cephalosporins constituted 83.6 % of the prescriptions, with ceftriaxone being the most commonly used one (81.1 %). They were mainly prescribed for the treatment of the lower respiratory tract infections (60.2 %). Seven (3.5 %) different ADRs linked to cephalosporin use were observed ranging from oral thrush to clostridium difficile infection. A total of 1039 antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial medications were prescribed concomitantly with cephalosporins. Conclusion The 3rd generation cephalosporins were commonly prescribed by parenteral route. Thus, there is a strong need for rationalizing their use to preserve their efficacy and prevent the development of resistance in the region.
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Mohammad
M
Abou-Shaaban
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. areeganwer@rakmhsu.ac.ae.
Areeg Anwer
AA
Ali
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Padma G M
PG
Rao
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Asif
A
Majid
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D017723:Drug Utilization Review / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D063127:Secondary Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D063728:Secondary Care Centers / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins; Drug utilization; Lower respiratory tract infections; Microbial resistance; Prescriptions pattern; Third generation cephalosporins; United Arab Emirates