Trends in Antipseudomonal Agent Use Based on the 2006 to 2015 Sales Data in Japan

Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance is a major issue worldwide. Drug resistance is related to inappropriate antibiotic use. Because antipseudomonal agents have a wide spectrum, they must be used appropriately. The purpose of this study was to clarify the trends in antipseudomonal agent use in Japan based on sales data from 2006 to 2015. The total antipseudomonal agent use was increased significantly (r = 0.10, Pfor trend = 0.00040). The proportion of fluoroquinolones use was the highest throughout the year, accounting for 88.6–91.4%. The use of piperacillin/tazobactam significantly increased. The increased use of these drugs may be due to the launch of higher doses and additional indications. On the other hand, for antipseudomonal agents, parenteral carbapenems use was 2.7–3.7%, but it has remained unchanged over the years. In Japan, permit and notification systems have been introduced to prevent the inappropriate use of parenteral carbapenems in medical institutions. It was speculated that these efforts suppressed the inappropriate use of parenteral carbapenems. This study clarified the trend of antipseudomonal agent use in Japan from 2006 to 2015. It is important to continue monitoring antipseudomonal agents use to conduct appropriate antimicrobial resistance measures.