Prescribing pattern of higher generation antibiotics in the out-patient setting in Bhutan hospitals

Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a complex problem contributed by the interplay of various parties such as prescribers, patients or health settings. In particular, prescribers play a vital role in the use of antibiotics both in rational prescribing of drugs and influencing patients on the appropriate use. Objectives: Determine the appropriateness of the higher generation antibiotics (cephalosporin and flouroquonolone groups) in the out-patient setting of Bhutan hospitals. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three referral hospitals of Bhutan where the prescriptions were collected from the pharmacy. All prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were selected based on the appropriateness using a modified Medication Appropriateness Index. Three hundred thirty three prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were analyzed. Results: The use of antibiotics was common with 37.1% of the prescriptions containing antibiotics out of which 14% were higher generation antibiotics. When assessed on the appropriateness of the prescription, 55.9% of the prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately. In addition, only 47.1% of the prescriptions had appropriate indications for higher generation antibiotics. Conclusion: There is a widespread inappropriate use of higher generation antibiotics in Bhutan.