Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

Abstract

Evaluation of Crystalline Penicillin Use in Pediatrics Ward of Jimma University Specialized Hospital, South West Ethiopia

Jafer Siraj and Seid Mussa Ahmed

Background: Crystalline penicillin has been used for chemotherapy of bacterial infections for pediatrics over the years. However, not much is known about the appropriateness of clinical indication, dosages administered, frequency of administration, duration, drug interactions, contra-indications and outcome of therapy in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH) Pediatrics Ward. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate crystalline penicillin use and its appropriateness in pediatrics ward of JUSH, South West Ethiopia. Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study of medication records of hospitalized pediatric patients who received crystalline penicillin from January 1 to December 31, 2012 at pediatrics ward of JUSH was done from February 4 to 17, 2013 to assess utilization pattern of crystalline penicillin. Results: A total 183 hospitalized pediatrics patient records were included in the study. In all cases, the indication to use, frequency of administration, contra-indications and drug interactions of crystalline penicillin were according to the national standard treatment guideline of Ethiopia for General Hospitals, and World Health Organization Guidelines for the management of common illnesses in children in areas with limited resources. All the 183 (100%) cases were consistent with guidelines for indications, contra-indications and dose frequency to use the drug. Moreover, one hundred and eighty one (98.9%) of the cases were in accordance with the guidelines for contraindications. However, only 149 (81.42%) ,153 (83.6%) and 168 (91.80%) of the cases were in accordance with the guidelines to use the drug with regard to dose, duration and outcome of treatments, respectively. Conclusion and recommendation: Consistency of prescribers to the national standard treatment guideline was found to be promising. To improve rational use and prevent the development of resistance, intensification of short term trainings and antibiotic control systems are some of the possible solutions the hospital has to do. In addition, prescribers should regularly check completeness of patient cards.