Meropenem Use Pattern at Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Meropenem is an antimicrobial in the National List of Essential Medicines of Thailand which has been substantially used and needs drug use evaluation program to optimize rational drug utilization in Srinagarind Hospital. Objectives: To study meropenem use pattern in fields of indication and dosage regimen. Methods: The medical records of hospitalized patients who received meropenem during July 2014 to September 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The relevant data including patient demographic background, type of infection, type of therapy, dosage regimen and duration of therapy, was collected. Results: A total of 106 patients met the inclusion criteria and were recruited to the study. Meropenem was used as empiric therapy (65.1%) and documented therapy (34.9%). Respiratory tract infection was the major organ of infection (38.7%) followed by sepsis (36.8%).The usual dosage regimenwas 1 g every 8 h (58.5%) and the dosage regimen were adjusted according to renal function. Duration of therapy was usually up to 14 d (85.9%) Conclusion: The use of meropenem at Srinagarind Hospital was considerable rationale in either indication or dosage regimen which compliedwith the hospital guideline for antimicrobials use.