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@article{202385,
        author = {Paparkar Tanmayee and Sadaphule Arti and Dr. Ajaykumar Shirsat},
        title = {Comprehensive Prescription Audit Of Antibiotic Use In Pneumonia: Evaluation Of Guideline Adherence, Dose Accuracy, Duration And Drug Related Safety Risks In Semi-Urban Healthcare Settings},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {7117-7128},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202385},
        abstract = {Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and a primary driver of antimicrobial consumption globally. In semi-urban healthcare settings, clinicians often manage high-risk patients amidst diagnostic limitations, which can lead to variations in prescribing patterns. Inappropriate antibiotic use not only increases the risk of treatment failure and adverse drug reactions but also accelerates the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to conduct a structured prescription audit of pneumonia management in the semi-urban healthcare facilities of the Daund region. The specific objectives were to analyze antibiotic selection trends, evaluate the accuracy of dosing regimens, assess adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STG), and identify potential drug-related safety risks. A retrospective observational audit was conducted on 26 clinical cases meeting the inclusion criteria for pneumonia (including multilobe, aspiration, and viral pneumonitis). Data concerning patient demographics, antibiotic classes, dosage, administration frequency, and concomitant medications were extracted using a standardized data collection tool. The prescriptions were benchmarked against ICMR and IDSA/ATS guidelines, and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The audit revealed a high reliance on broad-spectrum empirical therapy. Carbapenems (Meropenem) were the most frequently prescribed agents (46.7%), followed by Beta-lactam/Beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (Ceftriaxone-Tazobactam, 40%). Macrolides (Azithromycin/Clarithromycin) were used in 60% of cases for atypical coverage. While dosing the general adult population was largely accurate, there was minimal evidence of renal dose adjustment in geriatric patients or those with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Adherence to supportive care protocols (nebulization and gastric protection) was 100%. However, de-escalation from intravenous to oral therapy was infrequently documented. The findings indicate that while clinical management is aggressive and comprehensive, there is a significant deviation from "Access" group antibiotics toward "Reserve" category drugs. The study underscores the urgent need for localized antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, mandatory renal dose-adjustment protocols, and improved clinician awareness regarding rational antibiotic use. Strengthening these practices is vital to optimize patient safety and mitigate the rise of antimicrobial resistance in semi-urban healthcare settings.},
        keywords = {Pneumonia, Antibiotic Prescription Audit, Guideline Adherence, Meropenem, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Drug Safety, Semi-Urban Healthcare, Antimicrobial Resistance.},
        month = {May},
        }