Background: Inappropriate prescribing trend of antibiotics is currently one of the major public health issues worldwide. This misuse lead to the development of bacterial resistance, increasing the burden of chronic diseases, rising costs of health services, and the development of side effects. Objectives: This study will evaluate the pertinent factors contributing to the overuse of antibiotics worldwide. Methods:A cross-sectional study design was adopted using convenient sampling technique, during the period June-2017 to August-2017. A sample size of 100 patients was taken and data was collected from three major hospitals of Lahore Pakistan. A data collection form was designed and was filled during face to face interviews with the patients, and physicians. Data was presented in percentage. Results: The study showed that 25% of the patients were prescribed clarithromycin, 22% ciprofloxacin, 13% prescribed cephalexin, 10% erythromycin and 30% of the patients were prescribed amoxicillin. 40% of the physicians prescribed two drug combinations and 60% prescribed three drug combination therapies to the patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that misuse of antibiotics in Upper Respiratory Tract Infection is a major problem in Pakistan. Since Upper Respiratory Tract Infection forms a large proportion of the reason for primary care consultations in this area, inappropriate use of antibiotic in both quantity and drug choice employ major selective pressure on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics, Inappropriate Use, Prescribing Trends, Adults, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.
