The Use of Ceftriaxone in Academic Emergency Departments: Evidence-Based Utilization or Overuse

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, ceftriaxone is being used widely and its use is less compatible with the current guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate use of ceftriaxone. The results may help to find a way to prevent its inappropriate use in the emergency department (ED). Methods: In this observational-analytical study, the patients who were referred to EDs of two teaching hospitals from September 23, 2019, to March 19, 2020, and treated with ceftriaxone were analyzed. The appropriate use of ceftriaxone was determined based on the latest evidence-based literature. Results: Ceftriaxone had been prescribed properly in 156 patients (38.4%; 95% CI, 33.5-42.9%) and its use did not meet logical criteria in the remaining 250 patients (69.6%; 95% CI, 57.1-66.5%). The appropriate use of ceftriaxone was independently related to goal-directed use, level I triage, urinalysis (U/A) indicating urinary tract infection (UTI), and chest radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Conclusion: Our study revealed the inappropriate use of ceftriaxone in teaching medical centers; therefore, further education seems to be necessary in this field.