Evaluation of ceftriaxone utilization in medical and emergency wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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2015-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Evaluation of ceftriaxone utilization in medical and emergency wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized hospital By: Alemayehu Sileshi Addis Ababa University, 2015 Background: Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics due to its high antibacterial potency, wide spectrum of activity and low potential for toxicity. The global trend shows misuse of this drug. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of ceftriaxone use in medical and emergency wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing medication records of 314 patients who received ceftriaxone during hospitalization at TASH between February 1 and June 30, 2014. Drug use evaluation (DUE) was conducted to determine whether ceftriaxone was being used appropriately based on six criteria namely indication for use, dose, frequency of administration, duration of treatment, drug-drug interaction (DDI) and culture and sensitivity (C&S) test. The evaluation was made as per the protocol currently developed. Additionally, areas which need intervention were identified and interventions were implemented.
Results: The prescribing rate of ceftriaxone was found to be very high (58% point prevalence). Ceftriaxone use was empiric in 274 cases (87.3%) and specific in 5 cases (1.6%). The most common indication for ceftriaxone use was pneumonia; observed in 110 cases (35.0%). The most common daily dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment with ceftriaxone were 2g (88.9%), twice-daily (98.4%) and 8-14 days (46.2%), respectively. Inappropriate use of ceftriaxone was observed in most cases
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(87.9%), the greatest proportion of which was attributed to inappropriate frequency of administration (80.3%), followed by absence of C&S test (53.2%). Conclusions: This study revealed that the inappropriate use of ceftriaxone was very high in the medical and emergency wards of TASH. This may lead to emergence of resistant pathogens which in turn lead to treatment failure and increased cost of therapy. Therefore, adherence to current evidence-based guidelines is recommended. Key words: Ceftriaxone, drug use evaluation, antibiotic, rational use.
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Ceftriaxone; Drug use evaluation; Antibiotic, rational use