OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prescribing trends in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections at Government Fever Hospital.

METHODS

: A retrospective, observational, cross sectional study was carried out by collecting prescription of patients admitted to male and female departments of government fever hospital. The data were analyzed by using SAS software.

RESULTS : Prevalence of LRTIs was observed more in males than in females. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most frequently observed disease, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Consolidation. Antibiotics, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, vitamins and minerals and analgesics were most commonly prescribed drugs, of those ceftriaxone was the common antibiotic followed by amoxicillin clavulanate, metronidazole, piperacillin+tazobactum and Salbutamol was commonly prescribed bronchodilator followed by ipratropium. Of corticosteroids dexamethasone was mostly prescribed drug. Other classes of drugs such as vitamins and minerals, anti-fungal, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor blockers and antihistamines were prescribed in patients with need. In some patients more, number of antibiotics was prescribed, this may lead to development of resistance. But, the severity of the patient condition influences the treatment plan. Of 400 patients included in study, 331 (82.8%) patients were observed with complete prescription and 69 (17.2%) patients with incomplete prescription as 52 patients of them were left against medical advice and 17 patients were absconding.

CONCLUSIONS

: This study has analyzed the prevalence and prescribing trends in lower respiratory tract disorders in Government fever hospital.