A STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AT A SECONDARY CARE HOSPITAL

Respiratory tract Infections (RTI's) are among the most common Infectious conditions encountered in clinical practice and contribute substantially to morbidity, healthcare utilisation and antimicrobial consumption. Drug-utilisation studies provide important information regarding prescribing patterns and the rational use of medicines in clinical settings. Objective: To evaluate the drug utilisation pattern among patients diagnosed with Respiratory tract Infections at a secondary Care hospital and assess the rationality and appropriateness of prescribed medications. Methodology: A Prospective observational study was conducted among patients diagnosed with RTI's and treated at a secondary Care hospital. patients fulfilling the predefined Inclusion criteria were enrolled during the study period and followed prospectively Drug utilisation was assessed with particular emphasis on prescribing Patterns, commonly used Therapeutic classes, antimicrobial use, polypharmacy, and relevant prescribing Indicators. Results: A total of 106 patients were Included in the study, of whom 75 (70.75%) were male and 31 (29.24%) were females, and highest age group patients belongs to 51-60 were 33 (31.13%). The most frequently observed RTI was Pneumonia are 25 (23.58%) and COPD 24 (22.64%) and most commonly Reported clinical manifestation were cough as 81 (21.48%) and frequently observed co-morbid condition were HTN's 21 (36.84%). Total 632 medications are prescribed. out of those Antibiotics were prescribed high 136 (21.51%), cephalosporins class were frequently prescribed (i.e.,ceftriaxone) followed by other commonly prescribed drug classes Included Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytics and other classes. The majority of medications prescribed by Brand name. Conclusion: Drug utilization studies can provide feedback to physicians and promote Rational prescribing of drugs enabling better patient care in management of RTI to choose a better effectiveness and safe use of drugs and educated for more appropriate and cost-effective prescribing, thereby minimizing Polypharmacy and Antimicrobial resistance.