Dr. I. John Wesley

This pilot study aims to assess the prescribing pattern of beta lactam antibiotics in paediatric subjects. Informed consent as per ICMR guidelines were obtained from caretakers of pediatric subjects. Case records were analyzed to identify the prescribing pattern of antibiotics. Required data were collected using a suitably designed proforma. 30 subjects with a mean age 6.5±1.35 years were involved in the study. 66.67% of the subjects belongs to male respondents and 33.33% belongs to female population. 56.67% of the subjects were involved in the age category of 2 to 5 years and 6.67% of subjects belongs to age category in between 10 to 12 years. 76.67% of pediatric subjects have a diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. No cases of CNS disorders were reported. 43.33% of Ceftizoxime, 23.33% of Cefotaxime, 13.34% of Amoxicillin+ Clavulanic acid, 10% Cefuroxime, 6.67% Ceftriaxone and 3.33% of Cefaperazone+ Tazobactum were prescribed for these pediatric subjects for various infectious states. Use of antibiotics in pediatric subjects requires great care considering the increased incidence of antibiotic resistance. From this pilot study beta lactam antibiotics were found to be prescribed commonly due to its safety and efficacy in pediatric subjects.