Prescribing for diarrheal diseases
Nahar, S.; Uppal, R.; Mehta, S.; Sharma, P.L.
Indian Pediatrics 25(8): 754-756
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3220563 Document Number: 371983
A medical audit was conducted to evaluate prescriptions for diarrhea in the Ward and Clinic of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The sample consisted of 54 prescriptions from the ward and 105 from the clinic, written by consultants, senior and junior residents. Organisms isolated were Shigella, Salmonella, E. coli, acid fast bacilli, Giardia and rotavirus. Nonspecific diarrhea included lactose intolerance associated with nutritional deficiencies. The sex ratio was 2:1 male:female. On the Ward the mean number of prescriptions was 4.4. 78% were treated with drugs, while 22% received oral electrolytes, diet, advice and vitamins. Average stay was 2 weeks. Generic drugs were specified for 49%, trade names for 48% and both for 39%. In the clinic 78% were treated with drugs, and 21% were given oral electrolyte solution, vitamins and advised as to diet. The average number of drugs was 2.25. 73% were prescribed trade name drugs, 20% generics and 7% both. Inappropriate drug prescriptions (1-2% of total) included choice of drugs in 13%, drug category only, e.g. antibiotics in 3%, no dose specified in 10% and duration not specified in 12% of all drugs and 17% in the clinic. The study indicated notable restraint on polypharmacy in the ward and clinic, and very appropriate choice of drugs.