Introduction: The study represents the first investigation of outpatient use of beta lactam antibiotics in Montenegro carried out in accordance with internationally approved methodology (DDD/ATC).
Objective: The objective of our study was to establish both the scope and overall use of beta lactam antibiotics, and to assess their compatibility with current pharmacotherapeutic guidelines and their use in developed countries.
Methods: The retrospective pharmaco-epidemiological study comprised a 100%-sample of beta lactams that were used in the period prior to introduction of new reform strategy on drug market.
Results: Beta lactam antibiotics (J01C, J01D) were the most frequently applied anti-infectives for systemic use (ATC group J) in 2000 (11.3 DDD/1000 inh./day, 61%). Penicillins (J01C) were the most utilized (8.0 DDD/1000 inh./day, 71%). Cephalosporin derivatives (cephalexin and cefaclor) accounted for the remaining 29% (3.3 DDD/1000 inh./day). Aminopenicillins were prevailing among penicillins (85%). Beta lactamase sensitive penicillins were in the second place and approximately accounted for 14%.
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the use of beta lactam antibacterials could be estimated as partially satisfactory. There is a need to make additional efforts with a view of further rationalization.