Abstract
Irrational use of antimicrobials is a major problem that leads to antimicrobial resistance. Examining patterns and amounts of antibacterials prescribed from health facilities is one strategy to monitor antimicrobial use. Method: This study employed claims data of the National Health Security Office and pharmaceutical manufacture and imports of the Food and Drug Administration in 2013 to calculate amounts and costs of antibacterials prescribed in outpatient departments. Findings: The total amount of antibacterials prescribed to outpatients in 2013 was 117.3 million defined daily doses or 7.1 DDDs per 1,000 population per day. Prescriptions with antibacterial agents accounted for 19% of all outpatient prescriptions. Amoxicilin was prescribed the most at the amount 58.7 million DDDs and costed 215 million Baht. Health centres were the main prescribers using 52% of the overall antibacterial use. Mae Hong Son, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram and Phatthalung were found to have high proportions of prescribed antibacterials. Conclusion: Monitoring antibacterial uses should be integrated in the national drug surveillance in addition to the normal reporting system of pharmaceutical manufacture and imports.
