Antibiotic use at Duke University Medical Center

A study of antibiotic use at Duke University Medical Center in June 1973 showed that 34.2% of all patients received antibiotics (43.6% surgical, 21.4% medical patients). Cephalothins were most frequently ordered for surgical patients, ampicillin sodium and penicillin G or penicillin V with potassium for other patients. A retrospective analysis of 50 randomly selected patients, according to the Kunin's categories of use, showed 64% of total antibiotic therapy as not indicated or inappropriately administered in terms of drug or dosage. These results are similar to previous reports of antibiotic surveillance and further establish the need for continuing education of prescribing physicians.