Prescription Pattern of Antibiotics among General Dental Practitioners in Karnataka—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Introduction There is a lack of clear guidelines for the use of antibiotics and analgesics in medically healthy patients as well as endodontic pain management strategies. Diseases of the dental pulp and periapical tissue are mainly caused by microorganisms; however, not all cases of dental infections require the administration of systemic antibiotics. The purpose of the present survey was to evaluate the prescription pattern of antibiotics among general practitioners and specialists practicing in Karnataka.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional survey was based on a structured questionnaire in Google Form with 17 questions, including the demographic characteristics and the knowledge and practice of the dentists on the antibiotic prescription. Completed questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS software to determine relationships between factors affecting the prescription patterns and educational qualification.Results Of the 200 participants surveyed, 169 (84.9%) felt that the overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance of bacteria. Amoxicillin 500 mg was the most prescribed antibiotic (97%) and cephalexin by only 3% of the participants. Majority of the dentists prescribed antibiotics on a weekly basis (51.8%) during their practice and the preferred duration was for 5 days (62.8%).Conclusion The results of the present study indicated a lack of knowledge and uncertain diagnosis on prescribing antibiotics leading to overprescription and further antibiotic resistance. The majority of the dentist feels there is an overuse of antibiotics, but at the same time prescribes it on a daily basis.