STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS AMONG DERMATOLOGY IN-PATIENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, MANDYA, KARNATAKA

Nashrah Basri, A. Vikneshwari and Divyashree N.*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Skin conditions rank as the 18th leading cause of disease burden worldwide. The dermatological therapy strives to deliver safe & minimal doses of drugs. The purpose of this study is to validate prescription practices and encourage the rational use of antibiotics. This study may help doctors to prescribe antibiotics more wisely, potentially decreasing the financial strain on their patients. Objectives: Employing the World Health Organization’s drug use indicators, this study aims to assess antibiotic prescriptions trends in dermatology, identify the prevalence of skin conditions, and outline current therapeutic approaches. Materials & Methods: This was a retrospective, record-based study conducted over a 3 month period. The patients were assessed based on their demographic details, diagnosis, and antibiotics prescribed. Results: Throughout 3months, the records of 250 patients were gathered, and the prescriptions were examined to assess the prescribing trend. The finding revealed a higher prevalence of female patients, constituting 58%, compared to 42% male patients. The predominant age group among the patients was 51-60 years. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most frequent skin disease, followed by chronic plaque psoriasis. Most often, Fusidic acid was prescribed in combination with corticosteroid. Additionally, the majority of the prescriptions were for topical drugs. Conclusion: The study noted a rational pattern of antibiotic prescribing, with most of the prescribed medications being listed on the WHO Essential Drug List for 2023, reflecting a commendable pattern of prescription.

Keywords: Dermatology, Antibiotics prescribing pattern, WHO essential drug list 2023, In-patient dermatology department, WHO drug use indicators.