[india-drug] Antibiotic Prescribing In Children In India (4)

["Dr. Pramil Tiwari" <ptiwari@niper.ac.in>]

Antibiotic Prescribing In Children In India (4)
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Dear group members,

Many of you would agree that in the absence of hard data, it is not possible to convince anyone, keep apart introduction of an intervention in a hospital or community setting.  I am not very sure how many of us have made an attempt to study of use of antibiotics in children! Without those figures, who is going to suggest "judicious use" of antibiotics in children?

Our group of researchers at Pharmacy Practice Department of NIPER, Mohali, is in the process of analyzing data involving over 1700 pediatric patients from both OPD and IPD.  These results would form the basis of introducing an intervention, if required.  Hence, the first need is to conduct well designed studies in different parts of the country and their results become the basis for continuing such discussion(s) further.  I am equally confident 
that a common design could be arrived at so that the results from various sources could be pooled meaningfully.

It is very likely that in a community setting, the GP might - under pressure- prescribe an antibiotic when it is not needed.  That needs to be investigated.  A regulatory step may not be in order now.

Yes, the various Medicine Information Centers in different parts of the country should take the initiative to educate the parents that antibiotics are not always the cure.  In the situation under discussion, the parents are largely responsible for seeking an antibiotic for the child.

I would be pleased to hear what other members have to say and also willing to interact with other groups working on the use of medicines in the pediatric patients.

Thanks,
Dr Pramil Tiwari
Pharmacy Practice Dept.
NIPER, Mohali, Punjab