Naslov
Outpatient Use of Systemic Antibiotics in Croatia

Autori
Štimac, D. ; Vukušić, I. ; Čulig, J.

Izvornik
Pharmacy World & Science (0928-1231) 27 (2005), 3; 230-235

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, ostalo

Ključne riječi
outpatient ; utilization ; antibiotics

Sažetak
Objective. The aim was to estimate the outpatient utilization of antibacterials for systemic use in Zagreb, Croatia, and to define the antibiotic utilization characteristics and consequences. Methods. Using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology, the number of defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDDs/TID) was calculated for each individual antibiotic and ATC system levels from data collected on the number and size of packages prescribed and dispensed from pharmacies. The Drug Utilization 90% (DU90%) method was used to evaluate the quality of drug prescribing. Results. The total utilization of antibiotics was found to be extremely high, 55.0 DDDs/TID. The leading antibiotic was amoxicillin + clavulanic acid with 14.7 DDDs/TID. Penicillins accounted for the highest utilization (46.3%) expressed in DDDs/TID (25.4), followed by cephalosporins with about 25% and macrolides with 12.5% of utilization expressed in DDDs/TID, then tetracyclines, quinolones, aminoglycosides and other agents. Nine of 27 antibiotics fell within the DU90% segment. The cost/DDD within DU90% segment was 1.2 EUR, for the drugs beyond DU90% segment 1.4 EUR and the average being 1.2 EUR. Conclusion. Irrational prescribing and preference to more expensive drugs have been reported in Zagreb. Therefore, the risk of resistance of microorganisms to beta-lactamase antibiotics, macrolides and quinolones should be expected. Prescribing patterns should be changed by the introduction of national guidelines on rational antibiotic prescribing, monitoring and evaluation of their implementation. Additional continuing education of physicians and pharmacists from independent sources should be organized and proper education of patient.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

POVEZANOST RADA