OBJECTIVES

Pediatrics are a special group of population with underdeveloped Physiology. Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are designed to assess drug usage appropriateness. With the major concern of raising antimicrobial resistance, our study aimed at evaluating appropriate use of most widely used class of antibiotics; Fluroquinolones, in pediatric department in a teaching hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India. Patterns of prescribing studies in Pediatrics as found very less in India. Hence the study was conducted.

METHODS

It is an observational study carried in inpatients for a period of 6 months (October 2018 to March 2019).Among 115 patients who received Fluroquinolones were randomly assigned to this study. Every patient was observed until discharge. Prospective review of patient’s records was carried out. Data were converted to Defined Daily Dose (DDD) and the ratio of prescribed daily dose per DDD was calculated. Assessment of Fluroquinolones use was made by using WHO prescribing indicators.

RESULTS

Among these 115 children, the majority of the children belonged to the preschool age group. its being observed that Fluroqunolones are mostly prescribed of them Levofloxacin50(43%) is seen to be prescribed more.The ratio of prescribed daily dose to DDD was 1.5 for antibiotics. Most of the patients received as empiric therapy. Only 13 patients received their antibiotics consistent with American Hospital Formulary System (AHFS) mentioned indication.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the majority of courses Fluroquinolones were empirically selected and required lab tests for drug monitoring and dose adjustments which were not performed in most cases. Educational interventions, developing a local formulary and a strict antibiotic prescribing policy for example by prior approval by an infectious disease consultant can help significantly to overcome these problems.