Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is the most common reason for antibiotic prescription in children and adults. The present study was conducted to assess antibiotic usage in upper respiratory tract infections in children
Materials & Methods:80 children with upper respiratory tract infection of both genders were recorded. A thorough physical examination was carried out in all children. Weight in kgs and height was measured in meters. Month of ARTI and type of antibiotic prescribed was recorded
Results: Out of 80 patients, boys were 30 and girls were 50. Age group 5-7 years had 10, 7-9 years had 15, 9-11 years had 30 and 11-13 years had 25 children. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Antibiotic prescribed in children were co-amoxiclav in 28, amoxycillin in 24, ofloxacin in 18 and cefuroxime in 10. The difference was significant (P> 0.05). The month of upper respiratory tract infections in children was January- February in 34, March- April in 12, May- July in 4, Aug- Oct in 10 and Nov- Decin 20. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The most commonly antibiotic prescribed in children were co-amoxiclav, amoxycillin, ofloxacin and cefuroxime. Common month of use was December, January and February.