DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION OF POST-OPERATIVE ANTIMICROBIALS USED IN SURGERY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

An antimicrobial is an agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms and use of antimicrobial agents need to be evaluated since misuse of antimicrobials may lead to increased adverse effects, resistance to antimicrobials, making illnesses more serious, and increasing expenses of health services. Objective: Drug utilization evaluation of antimicrobials are essential as it highlights the importance of assessing optimal drug use and provide a strong basis for therapeutic decision making. The aim of this study was to assess the Drug Utilization Evaluation of postoperative antimicrobials used in surgery department in a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out with 181 patients who had undergone various surgeries in the General Surgery department of Muthoot Healthcare Kozhencherry, for a period of 6 months to assess the antimicrobials used post-operatively Key findings: In this study it was found that majority of the surgeries were performed in males and the age group of 61-80 years. Most of the subjects had performed incision and drainage followed by hernioplasty. Conclusion: Postoperative antimicrobials prescribed were antibiotics (Cefoperazone –Sulbactum (55.2%) followed by Ceftriaxone) and antiprotozoal agent (Metronidazole)