THE PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIPTION AT AL-RASS HOSPITAL

Background: The irrational uses of antibiotics play a crucial role in emerging of antimicrobial resistance. So regular review of the prescribing patterns represents an effective monitoring study that enhances rational prescription of antibiotics. This study evaluated the prescribing pattern of antibiotics at Al-Rass hospital in Qassim region. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was approved by the Regional Research Ethics Committee and conducted at Al-Rass hospital. A total of 3595 emergency prescriptions and 1203 from in-patient were evaluated, and only 177 antibiotics prescriptions were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. Results: Among 240 antibiotics prescribed in 177 prescriptions, 58.7% were for female. Antibiotics were commonly prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in 26.6% and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in 16.4%. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanate (26.9%), and it was mostly prescribed for URTI. The second antibiotic was ceftriaxone (25.2%) with high prescription in obstetrics and LRTI. For surgical prophylaxis metronidazole was mostly prescribed (5.5%), followed by ceftriaxone (4.3%). Paracetamol was the commonly co-prescribed medication with antibiotics, and intravenous ceftriaxone was improperly prescribed with enoxaparin. Conclusion: The health system in Al Rass hospital is integrated with a clear policy regarding the rational use of antibiotics. The prescription pattern was consistent with international guides; however, minor improvements need to be addressed, and implementation of clinical pharmacists’ role will improve the quality of prescription to avoid drug interaction.