[Treatment of infectious diseases with antibacterial drugs in general practice]

A survey of systemic treatment with antimicrobial drugs in general medical practice at Holstebro, Jutland, in March 1987 is presented. The two pharmacies of the town recorded all prescriptions to individual patients. The diagnoses were recorded by questionnaire, which was returned by all involved physicians. A total of 969 persons, equivalent to 2.4 per cent of the population and 5.7 per cent of all Health Service contributions, were treated: 39% for upper and 18% for lower respiratory infection, 18% for urogenital infection and 7% for skin infection. 6% were recorded under "miscellaneous". In 12% of the cases no diagnosis was stated. 48% were treated with V-penicillin, 20% with ampicillin, 17% with erythromycin and 3% with tetracycline. The investigation shows a tendency towards less than optimal strategies as regards infections of the respiratory passages and the urinary system. Too often a "wide-spectrum therapy" was chosen. This choice meant a prolonged term of treatment and larger day-and-night doses leading to unnecessary expense. Short-term treatment of uncomplicated infection of the urinary system and otitis media were not recorded.