[A study of antibiotic use at a county hospital. Years 1998-2002]

Adequate antibiotic use clearly influences the development of bacterial resistance, adverse events and healthcare costs. Studies of drug usage allow us to detect deviations in antibiotic use.

Antibiotic use during the period 1998-2002 was analyzed using data provided by management software applications. The prescription of restricted-use antibiotics during years 2001 and 2002 was analyzed by selecting patients according to the information available in the unit-dose drug distribution area database at the pharmacy department.

Antibiotic use increased from 78 to 100 DDD during the period of time studied. The use of new quinolones has displaced macrolides. Two thirds of piperacillin --tazobactam prescriptions are for surgical patients.

1. Changes in the pattern of antibiotic use have been detected. 2. The relative weight of restricted-use antibiotics has increased. 3. This study allows a prioritization of intervention areas.