A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Prescribing Pattern of Antibiotics in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Among Inpatients and Outpatients

Soumya Paspula; Shazaa Shazaa; Saniya Naaz; Madhumitha Nakkala

doi:10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.394

Authors

Paspula Soumya Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, (Palamuru University), Seshadri Nagar, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India.
Shazaa Pharm. D Intern, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, (Palamuru University), Seshadri Nagar, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India.
Saniya Naaz Pharm. D Intern, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, (Palamuru University), Seshadri Nagar, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India.
Nakkala Madhumitha Pharm. D Intern, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, (Palamuru University), Seshadri Nagar, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India.

Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) remain a major cause of morbidity and hospitalisation worldwide, particularly among elderly individuals and patients with underlying comorbidities. Appropriate antibiotic therapy plays a crucial role in the management of LRTIs, as rational prescribing can improve clinical outcomes while minimising adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. Evaluating the prescribing pattern and therapeutic outcomes of antibiotics in LRTI patients is therefore essential to promote effective and safe clinical practice. Objectives: - The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and prescribing pattern of antibiotics in patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection among inpatients and outpatients, as well as to evaluate the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and treatment outcomes. A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving patients diagnosed with LRTIs. Demographic details, clinical diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, duration of treatment, and adverse drug reactions were recorded using a structured data collection form. The severity of pneumonia was assessed using the CURB-65 score. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on improvement in symptoms, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and radiological findings. The majority of patients were elderly, with the highest proportion belonging to the 71–80 years age group, and a slight male predominance (56%) was observed. Among the LRTIs identified, Pneumonia (38%) was the most common condition, followed by Bronchitis (34%) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation (28%). Empirical antibiotic therapy was used in 60% of patients, while culture-guided therapy was used in 40%. The most prescribed antibiotics included Azithromycin (25%), Levofloxacin (22%), Meropenem (20%), Piperacillin –Tazobactam (18%), and Ceftriaxone (15%). Adverse drug reactions were observed in 53% of patients, predominantly mild gastrointestinal disturbances and skin rash. Clinical outcomes showed that 40% of patients recovered completely, 25% improved, 15% remained unchanged, and 20% deteriorated.

Keywords:

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection, Pneumonia, Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, Antibiotic prescribing pattern, Adverse drug reactions, CURB-65 Score, Clinical outcomes

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.394

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