Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Antibiotics Prescription Trends at a Central West Bank Hospital
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2013, Vol 13, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to reliably describe the pattern of outpatient prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics (ATBs) at a central hospital in the West Bank, Palestine. Methods: Tis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study investigating a cohort of 2,208 prescriptions ordered by outpatient clinics and the emergency room over one year in Beit Jala Hospital in Bethlehem, West Bank. Te orders were analysed for the rate and types of NSAIDs and ATBs utilised, and the appropriateness of these drugs to the diagnosis. Results: Of the total prescriptions, 410 contained NSAIDs (18.6%), including diclofenac (40.2%), low dose aspirin (23.9%), ibuprofen (17.8%) and indomethacin (15.1%). A minority of these prescriptions contained a combination of these agents (2.5%). Only one prescription contained cyclooxyeganse-2 inhibitors (0.2%). Te appropriateness of NSAID use to the diagnosis was as follows: appropriate (58.3%), inappropriate (14.4%) and difcult to tell (27.3%). Te rate of ATB use was 30.3% (669 prescriptions). Te ATBs prescribed were amoxicillin (23.3%), augmentin (14.3%), quinolones (12.7%), frst and second generation cephalosporins (9.4% and 12.7%, respectively) and macrolides (7.2%). ATB combinations were identifed in 9.4%, with the most common being second-generation cephalopsorins and metronidazole (4.3%). Regarding the appropriateness of prescribing ATBs according to the diagnosis, it was appropriate in 44.8%, inappropriate in 20.6% and difcult to tell in 34.6% of the prescriptions. Conclusion: Tese fndings revealed a relatively large number and inappropriate utilisation of ATBs and NSAIDs. An interventional programme needs to be adopted to reinforce physicians’ knowledge of the rational prescription of these agents.
Authors and Affiliations
Yasin I. Tayem| Al-Quds University Medical School, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine, Marwan M. Qubaja| Al-Quds University Medical School, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine, Riyad K. Shraim| Department of Pathology, Beit Jala Hospital, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine, Omar B. Taha| Al-Quds University Medical School, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine, Imadeddin A. Abu Shkheidem| Al-Quds University Medical School, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine, Murad A. Ibrahim| Al-Quds University Medical School, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine
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