Oumer Sada
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Antivir Antiretrovir
Background: Many infectious diseases once considered incurable and lethal are now amenable to treatment with antimicrobial agents. They are among the most frequently prescribed medications today although microbial resistance due to evolutionary and misuse threatens their continued efficacy. On the other hand, ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics are often used inappropriately leading to wastage of scarce healthcare resources as well as increasing the risk of the emergence of bacterial resistance Inappropriate treatment could also lead to the ultimate death of the patient. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate ciprofloxacin use in the outpatient department of Dessie Referral Hospital (DRH). Methodology: A retrospective DUE (Drug Use Evaluation) was conducted by reviewing medication records of 372 patients who received ciprofloxacin in DRH during the period of March 16, 2013 to March 15, 2014. A systematic sampling method was used to select patient cards. Results: Two hundred eighty-seven (77.2%) patients were in the age group of 18 to 49 years. Indication three hundred sixteen (85%), dose 275 (87%) and frequency two hundred ninety-seven (93.99%) were consistent with the WHO indicators. Two hundred four (64.56%) of the cases had correct duration of treatment. Percentage of the cases with potential drug interactions was one hundred ninety-four (52.15%). Fifteen of ciprofloxacin use was against contraindication. Conclusion: From the current study, it was identified that there was irrational ciprofloxacin use in the outpatient department of DRH even though the drug�s use regarding frequency was a better performance and dosing practices were almost appropriate as per the criteria used for the study. There was a great problem concerning the indication and duration of ciprofloxacin drug therapy. Ciprofloxacin use along with potentially interacting drugs and against contraindications was also another problem indicated in the study. oumer.sada@gmail.com
