Scripta Medica (Jan 2010)
Outpatient utilization of antibioticis in the Republic of Srpska, in 2007 and 2008
Abstract
Background the aim of this study was to analyze the total outpatient utilization of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC class J01) and the outpatient utilization of antibiotics on the reimbursable medication list of the Health Insurance Fund, in the Republic of Srpska, in 2007 and 2008. Methods in the retrospective study outpatient utilization of prescription-only antibacterials for systemic use dispensed in pharmacies was analyzed. Anatomical therapeutic chemical/defined daily dose methodology was used to monitor drug utilization. Results It was observed that penicillins accounted more than 50% of both total and reimbursable antibiotic use, and that broad-spectrum penicillins were more prescribed than narrow-spectrum. Amoxicilline was the most prescribed antibiotic. Cephalosporins, namely cefalexin, were widely prescribed as well as tetracyclines and combination of sulfametoxazole and trimethoprim. Increased utilization of a macrolide antibiotic claritromycin was observed. The list of reimbursable antibiotics was comprised of the first-generation antibiotics. Utilization of all reimbursable antibiotics increased in 2008, except phenoxymethylpenicillin, due to marketing authorization renewal process. Conclusions the outpatient utilization of antibiotics was comparable with trends worldwide. Utilization increase of almost all reimbursable antibiotics suggested that more patients were able to achieve their rights deducible form the health insurance, and that the spending out-of pocket for medicines was reduced. Utilization of amoxicillin, solely or in combination with clavulanic acid, as the most prescribed antibitotic was similar to other countries.
