Abstract

LOPEZ SORIA, Odalis et al. Antimicrobials prescription against acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age. MEDISAN [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.9, pp.1-9. ISSN 1029-3019.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from September, 2006 to March, 2007 in order to assess the drug prescription against infections of the respiratory duct in boys and girls under 5 years of age belonging to Libertador health area in the municipality with the same name from Carabobo state, Venezuela. The study was motivated by the increase of antimicrobial prescriptions to treat them, the difficulties in the quality of the therapeutic plan, and the absence of statistics regarding this matter. Most prescribed drugs were as follows: beta-lactams (penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, and amoxycillin); however, they were generally prescribed in an inadequate way because individualization of treatment was overlooked. Some side effects, most of them mild, were observed. Thus, the health service received by patients was satisfactory.

Keywords : child; acute respiratory infection; antimicrobial; side effect; Venezuela.