A Study on Drug Utilisation Patterns and Use of Corticosteroids in Otolaryngology Department

Zeba Aimen Fatima et al., 

Otolaryngology | Antibiotics

Vol: 7; Iss:7; Jul 21 | ISSN: 2454-5422

Background: 

The goal of our study is to analyse the prescribing practices of the physicians and to assess the drug utilization patterns of the drugs prescribed and the use of corticosteroids in the otolaryngology department. This would encourage good evidence-based practice and facilitate the appropriateness of drug use. It is a prospective and observational study done over six months that includes patients attending Otolaryngology OPD. The data was observed using a designed data collection form.

Results:

150 patients were chosen over a span of 6 months, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 150 patients who received ENT treatment, 63 were male and 87 were female. The largest proportion of patients is 20-40 years in the age group and the lowest percentage was in geriatric patients. It was observed during the study that 58 patients were visited for the diagnosis of ear disorders, 48 for nasal disorders and 29 for throat infections and 8 for combined ENT infections. The widely prescribed antibacterials were beta-lactam (Penicillins and cephalosporins)- n=38, accompanied by-Macrolides-(n=8), Fluroquinolones (n=20), Penicillins (Amoxicillin+Clavulanic acid-n=10) and Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin (n=20)) followed by Macrolides (Azithromycin-n=8) were the most widely used agent of these groups, i.e., βlactam). In addition to antimicrobial corticosteroids, fluticasone (n-42) and prednisolone (n=12) were also the most widely prescribed corticosteroids in ENT diseases. Antihistamines which are Fexofenadine (n=49) and Cetirizine (n=4) were also administered.

Conclusion:

It is evident that Antibiotics and Corticosteroids do have a critical role to play in the management of diverse ENT complications. However, the use of Corticosteroids, more often than not, is subjective. Our study indicates that prescription or drug use analysis by clinical pharmacologists acts as a tool to give feedback to clinicians concerning over or under prescribed drugs, cost-benefit analysis, and its rational use.