The study of drug utilization trends in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) was conducted with a focus of enhancing rational medication use and improving LRTI management for public health benefit, aimed to evaluate drug utilization trends in LRTIs and common types of LRTIs diagnosed at NMCH and RC, Raichur, Karnataka. A Prospective observational study was conducted for a period of six months, from February to August 2023, involving 88 patients of all age groups. Among the patients, 56% were male and 44% were female, with varying age distributions. Common co-morbidities included hypertension (7.95%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (5.68%). The predominant symptoms of LRTI were Breathlessness (24.55%), cough (19.9%). Macrolide antibiotics (34.2%) and Penicillin with β-lactamase inhibitors (26.97%) were frequently prescribed for LRTI management, while tetracycline antibiotics were least prescribed (0.65%). Nebulization therapy, specifically Budesonide (44.7%) and Ipratropium + Levosalbutamol (26.01%), was commonly recommended. The study identified 6 major and 48 moderate drug-drug interactions. These findings stress the importance of understanding demographics, clinical presentations and prescription patterns for effective strategies in diagnosing and treating LRTIs. It emphasizes the need for careful patient care and coordination to minimize the risk associated with drug-drug interactions, offering valuable insights for optimizing LRTI management and public health initiatives
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