Patterns of antimicrobial therapy in acute tonsillitis: A cross-sectional hospital-based study from UAE.

BACKGROUND Diseases of the ear, nose and throat (ENT) are associated with significant impairment of the daily life and a major cause for absenteeism from work. AIM The study determined antimicrobial prescription pattern in patients with acute tonsillitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out among all the patients attending the ENT department with acute tonsillitis. Data were retrieved from the medical records using a proforma. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS.19. RESULTS Total of 238 patients included (Males 138; females 100). About 96% of total drugs were prescribed by generic name. Median number of drugs prescribed was four (range 1-7). Eighty eight percent of prescriptions contained antimicrobials, (78.5%) analgesics and (57.9%) antipyretics. Amoxicillin / Clavulanic acid (24.8%) and Ceftriaxone (12.2%) were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials. Parenteral route was preferred in 41.6%. About 23.7% of the patients on Amoxicillin / Clavulanic acid had received the drug as intravenous injection. Culture and sensitivity tests were carried out in 106 (44.5%) of the cases. Antimicrobials were changed / added after the culture and sensitivity test in 25 patients. CONCLUSION Study findings highlighted rational practices in drug prescribing. Therapeutic guidelines based on current sensitivity pattern optimize the use of antimicrobial agents.