Analysis of prescription pattern of antibiotic drugs on patients suffering from ENT infection within Dhaka Metropolis, Bangladesh

Background: This survey was designed to assess and evaluate the prescription pattern of antibiotic drugs on patients suffering from ENT infection within Dhaka Metropolis, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional, observational and prospective study was conducted from January to June 2015 in the out-patients (OPD) and in-patients (IPD) of ENT department at different general and specialized government and private hospitals (Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Sir Solimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital) within Dhaka city.300 prescriptions were collected and randomly evaluated for this present study. Results: Out of 300 patients, 220 (73.33%) were male and 80 (26.67%) were female (including children and adults) where most of the patients were outpatients 262 (87.33%). In the patients information section it was observed that approximately 93.33%  prescription contained antibiotic drugs and almost all prescription (100%) contained antibiotic drugs along with other drugs such as 80.67% PPI (proton pump inhibitors), 76.67% analgesic and 51.33% vitamin/ iron supplements. From this analysis we found that 19.33% prescription contained single antibiotic drug, 80.67% contained two antibiotic drugs and no prescription contained more than two antibiotic drugs. Most of the prescribed drugs were administered orally (12% capsule, 80% tablet form). Out of 473 prescribed antibiotic drugs majority of them lie underβ-Lactam (54%) class followed by cephalosporin (46.33%) class in which maximum drugs (92%) were prescribed by their brand names. Conclusions: Prescribing more than one antibiotics was commonly encountered in this study indicating the occurrence of polypharmacy. Interventions to rectify over prescription of antibiotics, use of brand names, inadequate labelling of drugs is necessary to improve rational drug use. Standard treatment guidelines, hospital formulary, and educational intervention become essential to modify this behaviour to benefit the patient.