Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore
*Address for correspondence: Dr Chaya M David, Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Shavigemalleshwara Hills, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore-560078 Tel: 9844253310. E mail: chaya_alfred@yahoo.com
Online published on 7 December, 2013.
Antibiotics are a subject of intensive abuse due to over prescription and also administration for inappropriate reasons. In India, some studies have reported the use and abuse of antibiotic therapy and their consequential impact on antibiotic resistance. However, not much information is available on the use of antibiotics among dentists in India.
To determine the rationale and prescription pattern of antibiotics among dentists in Bangalore city.
A self administered questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data and comprised of questions related to use of antibiotics for various dental procedures and in certain clinical situations.
The results of this survey indicate that there is wide spectrum of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in Bangalore. Amoxicillin was clearly the choice of antibiotic among dentists. Though the dentists handpicked antibiotics based on its efficacy and side effects, but at certain places these drugs were overtly used. Majority of the respondents thought that antibiotic sensitivity tests would help them choose the right antibiotic.
The prescription pattern for antibiotics was inconsistent and at times inappropriate. A standard guideline needs to be formulated according to the population for prescribing antibiotics; because when used judiciously antibiotics are life saving.
Antibiotics, Dental Practice, Prescription Pattern
