The Outpatient Prescribing Pattern of Cefuroxime in Al-Kharj

Introduction: Several previous studies reported a high prescribing rate of cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefuroxime. The inappropriate outpatients prescribing of cefuroximeleads to the development of bacterial resistance.

Aim: This study was conducted to demonstrate the prescribing pattern of cefuroxime in the outpatient setting in Alkharj.

Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted to know the prescribing pattern of cefuroxime. The data were collected from electronic prescriptions in a public hospital in Alkharj in 2018. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software and represented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: In 2018, there were 316 prescriptions containing cefuroxime. The majority of the patient was males (56.01%). The majority of cefuroxime prescriptions include tablet dosage form (81.96%). About 62.03% of the outpatient prescriptions were prescribed by the emergency department.

Conclusion: Cephalosporin group (including cefuroxime) was one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic groups to treat several infections. A high percentage of antibiotic prescriptions were prescribed inappropriately. It is important to increase the awareness about the wise use of antibiotics and to start the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs.