Drug utilization evaluation of third generation cephalosporins using core drug use indicators

To evaluate the drug utilization of third generation cephalosporins using core drug use indicators in various wards of Sri Ramachandra Hospital. Third generation cephalosporins are the most commonly prescribed broad spectrum antibiotic even before the culture sensitivity results arrives. Hence this study was undertaken to study the drug utilization evaluation of third generation cephalosporins in the inpatient department of various wards of Sri Ramachandra Hospital. A prospective study was conducted between July 2009 and February 2010. Prescriptions of 364 patients containing third generation cephalosporins admitted in inpatient department of various wards of Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai were collected and using WHO basic drug indicators, the utilization pattern were analyzed. The average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 7.89 on prescription analysis. Cefixime was the most frequently prescribed (32.69%) oral third generation cephalosporins, followed by cefotaxime (31.32%). Among IV third generation cephalosporins, cefotaxime was the most frequently prescribed injections (35.4%). Only 28.02% of drugs were prescribed by generic name. The results obtained represent the over all prescribing pattern of third generation cephalosporins in the Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Chennai.