Retrospective drug utilization review of antibiotics used in a government hospital in Kedah, Malaysia

Introduction: Antibiotics are produced by certain microorganisms that kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Evaluation of antibiotic prescribing pattern (s) is significant because this can promote proper prescribing and use of the antibiotics. The objective of this study is to conduct a retrospective drug utilization study of antibiotics from the preceding 2 years. Methodology: A retrospective exploratory cross-sectional observation survey was done for a period of 2 semesters, covering the preceding 2 years. A total 110 relevant data were obtained from the case sheets clerked by senior students during the past 2 years during their hospital and clinical pharmacy posting. The case sheets that met the prespecified inclusion criteria were keyed in into the predesigned data collection forms. The data coding was performed for each data from different categories. Results: In this study, 37.3% and 62.7% of the patients prescribed with antibiotic were male and female, respectively. Most of the cases were from pediatric population (30.9%) (Chi-square test deemed significant; P < 0.05). Maximum cases were from the Malay ethnic group (67.3%) (Chi-square test deemed significant; P < 0.05). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were penicillins (48.0%), followed by cephalosporins (33.3%); Unasyn (14.2%), cefuroxime (11.8%). The antibiotics were used most commonly as empirical therapy for most infectious conditions, especially pneumonia. Conclusion: The usage of antibiotics was in accordance with the national antibiotic guidelines. However, it was impossible to ascertain the appropriateness of the antibiotics prescribed with regard to the indications and other parameters as the data were obtained from the retrospective data, which is secondary source.