PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN PAEDIATRIC POPULATION

Background: Antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed drugs in paediatrics. However, the threat of antibiotic resistance among children is a reason for apprehension. The frequent use of antimicrobial drugs, primarily antibiotics has become a predictable practice for the treatment of paediatric infections. Methods: A study of the prescription patterns of antibiotics in respiratory tract infections was carried out on children admitted to a paediatric ward of tertiary care hospital for a period of 8 months, using a prepared structured questionnaire/proforma. Accuracy of doses was assessed by the guidelines of Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Results: The total number of cases collected in the ward in a period of 8 months was 80, out of which there were 51 male child (63.5%) and 29 female child (36.5%) treated with antibiotics for respiratory tract infections. Most of the children were admitted with the symptoms of cold (98.75%) n=79 and fever (86.25%) n=69. Amoxicillin and gentamicin was the most common drug prescribed. Conclusion: Inaccurate dose of antibiotics were seen in the prescription, which may lead to resistance. In order to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance of bacteria, appropriate usage of antibiotics should be carefully instituted and implemented. Keywords: Paediatrics, Antibiotics, Respiratory Tract Infection, Prescription Patter