Antibiotic-prescribing patterns for Iraqi patients during Ramadan

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Ramadan fasting involves abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours.
• Fasting is linked to an increased incidence of infections.
• Appropriate antibiotic use is crucial to prevent bacterial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate physician prescribing practices for antibiotics in fasting patients during Ramadan.
• To assess patient compliance with antibiotic regimens while fasting.

Main Methods:

• An observational study conducted in Baghdad pharmacies during Ramadan 2014.
• Analysis of 34 prescriptions for adult infections.
• Patient interviews to determine fasting status and physician inquiry about it.

Main Results:

• Over two-thirds of patients studied were fasting.
• Dentists and surgeons most frequently prescribed antibiotics.
• A twice-daily dosing regimen was the most common prescription.

Conclusions:

• Physicians inadequately considered patient fasting status when prescribing antibiotics.
• Twice-daily antibiotic regimens are unsuitable for fasting patients during Ramadan.
• Avoiding such regimens is recommended to prevent treatment failure and resistance, especially during summer months.