Evaluating Antibiotic Prescribing Appropriateness in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kerala Using Gyssens’ Categorization

The irrational use of antibiotics has contributed significantly to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluates antibiotic prescription patterns and rational drug use in a tertiary care hospital using WHO prescribing indicators. A six-month prospective observational study was conducted, analyzing prescribing trends, adherence to essential drug lists, and prevalence of sensitivity testing. Among 120 inpatients, 65% received antibiotics via the parenteral route, while only 13% were prescribed in generic names. Cephalosporins were the most commonly used antibiotics (30.5%). Sensitivity testing was performed in only 24% of cases, revealing significant resistance to commonly prescribed drugs. The study highlights the urgent need for rational antibiotic prescribing, increased adherence to WHO guidelines, and routine microbiological investigations to curb antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.