Assessment of Prescription of Metronidazole Among The Doctors of District Umerkot

Abstract

Objective: To assess the indications with which metronidazole is being prescribed by the doctors of Umerkot. To set necessary recommendations regarding prescription of drug and emergence of drug resistance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during to 30th June 2016, among the doctors of Umerkot in which pre tested questionnaire was distributed to 80 doctors which are practicing in different hospitals of Umerkot. The collected data was analyzed statistically and results were tabulated. Results: There were 56 medical officers and 24 postgraduates. 53/80 thought that it was anti diarrhea', 50/80 said anti bacterial, 46/80 said anti protozoal, 27/80 said anti helminthic, 12/80 said anti fungal, 6/80 said antiviral, 3/80 said mucosa' protective agent. 75/80 said that they would prescribe metronidazole in any type of diarrhea, 56180 said food poisoning, 29180 IBS and amoebiasis, 26/80 anaerobic bacterial infection, 24/80 IBD, 15/80 said intra abdominal infection 12/80 said bacterial septicaemia, 7/80 said skin infection, 3/80 said bones and joint infection & CNS infection, 1/80 said trachomoniasis, 1/80 RTI. 43/80 knew the side effect of the drugs (skin allergy, bitter taste, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, constipation) 27/80 didn't. 39/80 knew about the contraindications (hepatitis, pregnancy, unconsciousness, constipation), 41/80. Regarding the substitute of metronidazole 62/80 said other antibiotics (Levofloaxac in, Moxifloxacin) 18/80 said antifungal. Conclusion: This study reflects that there is unnecessary prescription of Metronidazole among the doctors of Umerkot. Most commonly being prescribed for diarrhea, food poisoning, amoebiasis and IBS. It is critical that 27 doctors didn't know the side effect and 41 were not aware of the contraindications.