Assessment of Prescription of Metronidazole among the Doctors of District Mirpurkhas.

Abstract

Background: Metronidazole is a Nitroimidazole antibiotic medication used particularly for anaerobic bacteria and
protozoa. It is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines (a list of most important medication needed in a basic
health system)
Objectives: Aim was to assess the indications with which metronidazole is being prescribed by the doctors of
Mirpurkhas. To set necessary recommendations regarding prescription of drug and emergence of drug resistance. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among the doctors of Mirpurkhas in which pre
tested questionnaire was distributed to 80 doctors which are practicing in different hospitals of Mirpurkhas.
Results: There were 56 medical officers and 24 Postgraduates. 53/80 thought that it was anti diarrheal, 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 mucosal protective agent. 75/80 said that they would prescribe metronidazole in any type of diarrhoea,
56/80 said Food poisoning, 29/80 said IBS and amoebiasis, 26/80 anaerobic Bacterial infection, 24/80 IBD, 15/80
said intra abdominal infection 12/80 said bacterial septicemia, 7/80 said skin infection, 3/80 Said bones and joint
infection & CNS infection, 1/80 said Trichomoniasis, 1/80 RTI. 43/80 knew the side effects 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 (Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) 18/80 said antifungal.
Conclusion: This study reflects that there is unnecessary prescription of Metronidazole among the doctors of
Mirpurkhas. Most commonly being prescribed for diarrhea, Food poisoning, Amebiasis and IBS. It is critical that
27 doctors didn’t know the side effects and 41 were not aware of the contraindications.
Key Words: Metronidazole, Antibiotic, Abuse, Diarrhea.