Evalution of the rationality and cost comparison of fixed dose combinations of antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

The development of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) is becoming increasingly important from a public health perspective. Such combinations of drugs are being used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. The use of fixed dose combinations of antibiotics is more prevalent in the recent years. The FDC antibiotic use must be limited because; a single antibiotic can be used effectively in most infections caused by a single organism. Furthermore, a single wide-spectrum antibiotic may be used in many mixed infections. The main objective of the study was to assess the prescription pattern and rationality of Fixed Dose Combinations of antibiotics using seven- point criteria. A Prospective- Observational Study was conducted among 102 patients for 9 months. The data from the cases were evaluated. The FDCs prescribed were thoroughly analyzed by seven point criteria to evaluate the rationality. The demographics of study population showed that male population was predominant. The diagnosis study population revealed that major infections were LRTI (26%) and UTI (20%). The culture sensitivity test was performed in 31.3% of study population to choose the appropriate antibiotic. The results of culture sensitivity tests showed that the most commonly isolated organisms were E.coli and S.pneumonia. A total number of 455 drugs were prescribed in the study population from which 22% were identified as FDC antibiotics. The commonly prescribed FDCs was Pipercillin+Tazobactum accounting for 34%. The seven point criteria analysis reveals 5 out of 8 FDCs were cost effective than their individual components and were rationally prescribed. By studying and comparing all the evidences obtained, the study concludes that the utilization of FDCs in the study site was found to be rational.