Trends in antimicrobial drug prescribing among office-based physicians in the United States
Article Abstract:
Office-based physicians seem to be prescribing more broad-spectrum, expensive antimicrobial drugs and fewer less costly, narrow-spectrum antimicrobials. Researchers surveyed 13,531 office-based physicians to study physicians' antimicrobial drug prescribing practices. Between 1980 and 1992, antimicrobial drugs accounted for 12% to 14% of all drugs prescribed. The annual prescription rate of the newer, more expensive, broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs increased during the study period while the prescription rate of the older, less costly, narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drugs decreased. This trend is evidenced by increasing prescription rates for amoxicillin and the cephalosporins and decreasing rates for the penicillins. The number of annual visits for otitis media in children increased significantly during the study period. Office visits for sinusitis among children and adults also increased during the study period. These factors may account for changes in doctors' prescribing habits.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Preventing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance: a call for action by clinicians, public health officials, and patients
Article Abstract:
Physicians need to examine how they prescribe antibiotics and try to stop prescribing the drugs for conditions that do not respond to antibiotics. The overprescription of antibiotics is thought to be responsible for the increase in drug resistance among many bacteria. A 1997 study found that many physicians prescribe antibiotics for colds and upper respiratory infections. However, these are usually caused by viruses, which are not affected by antibiotics. Many patients insist on antibiotics and physicians may not have the time to properly educate their patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Why do physicians prescribe antibiotics for children with upper respiratory tract infections?
Article Abstract:
There appear to be many reasons why physicians prescribe antibiotics for children with colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Both of these conditions are usually caused by viruses, which are not affected by antibiotics. Many physicians may believe that antibiotics have few side effects, but widespread use of antibiotics is linked to drug resistance in bacteria. Parents may expect antibiotics and a physician pressed for time may write the prescription rather than explain why it is not needed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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