Research Article CODEN: IJPRNK ISSN: 2277-8713 Minu K George, IJPRBS, 2015; Volume 4(6): 66-79 IJPRBS

Background: Antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms is a global concern. We conducted a Drug Use Evaluation study to evaluate the appropriateness of use of restricted antibiotics in the context of the existing Antibiotic Order Form using sequential prospective audits of prescriptions. Methods: A prospective observational Drug Utilization Review (DUR) study was conducted in patients receiving Restricted Antibiotics (Meropenem, Vancomycin) among Adult/Paediatric Inpatients in various wards and ICUs of a tertiary care hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for a period of 6 months from February 12, 2014 to July 12, 2014. Results: Out of 113 prescriptions, 67 (59.29%) were empirically treated, 30 (26.54%) were specific therapy and 16 (14.15%) were prophylactic. Before restriction policy DDD per 100 patient days of Meropenem was 1.52 and Vancomycin 1.24. After restriction policy it reduced to 1.38 and 0.58 for Meropenem and Vancomycin respectively during 2013 and further reduced to 1.12 for Meropenem and 0.35 for Vancomycin during 2014 (p value <0.05). Hence, significant differences were observed in DDDs before and after the regulation. Thus the study proved that evaluation of Antibiotic utilization improved the appropriate and effective use of antibiotics and is also economical to the patient. Conclusion: Our study shows that implementation of an antibiotic order form for restricted antibiotics and follow-up by clinical pharmacist can be associated with a marked reduction in antibiotic consumption, improved appropriate and effective use to the patients. This research work emphasize that strict regulations on the use of antibiotics is essential to promote the rational use.