PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS USED IN PREOPERATIVE PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objective: This study was designed to analyze the prescription pattern of prophylactic antimicrobial agents used in preoperative patients. Methods: A descriptive observational study was done at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Potheri from July to December 2013 after obtaining of Institutional Ethics Committee clearance. Results: Total 284 patients were included in this study, out of which 141(49.6%) were females and 143(50%) were males. In the department of general surgery, the very commonly used antimicrobial agents were cefotaxime (81%) followed by cefoperazone sodium (42%). In the orthopaedics department, the frequently used antimicrobial agents were cefoperazone and sulbactam (39%) followed by cefazolin (29%). Most commonly used antimicrobial agent was cefotaxime (100%) in gynaecology department. Conclusion: Antimicrobial prophylaxis is helpful in declining the frequency of post-operative infections. This study explained about the various antimicrobial agents used prior to surgeries. Practitioners must prescribe an antibiotic based on their hospital antibiotic policy.