BACKGROUND Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of bacterial infections among patients, admitted to general medicine wards. Improper and excessive use of antibiotics may contribute to adverse drug reactions, longer hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. The research was designed for the purpose of- prospectively evaluating the utilization of antibiotics in hospitalized patients and to analyze the prescribing pattern and appropriateness of antibiotic therapy in the general medicine unit of a tertiary healthcare center. The present prospective observational research was conducted over six months and involved 106 inpatients who were prescribed at least one antibiotic during hospitalization. Relevant information was obtained from patient medical records, prescription charts, laboratory investigations, and treatment profiles using a structured data collection format. Details including demographic characteristics, diagnosis, type of antibiotic prescribed, dose, route of administration, duration of treatment, use of combination therapy, culture sensitivity testing, and occurrence of adverse drug reactions were documented and assessed.
FINDINGS The findings showed that respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and skin infections were the most frequent conditions requiring antibiotic therapy. Among the different classes, beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones were prescribed most frequently. Intravenous antibiotics were commonly administered during the early stage of therapy, and combination treatment was observed in many patients. Empirical antibiotic therapy was often initiated before culture sensitivity reports became available. Continuous monitoring of antibiotic use also helped in detecting irrational prescribing practices, prolonged therapy without indication, and possible drug interactions.
INTERPRETATIONS The study highlights the importance of prospective monitoring in encouraging rational antibiotic use, improving therapeutic outcomes, minimizing adverse effects, reducing healthcare expenditure, and controlling antimicrobial resistance. Effective antibiotic stewardship programs and strict adherence to standard treatment protocols are necessary to support the optimal and safe utilization of antibiotics among hospitalized patients.