An Evaluation of Acyclovir Prescribing Patterns in a Public Hospital in AlKharj

Aim: This study aimed to analyze acyclovir prescription patterns in a public hospital in AlKharj.

Methodology: Cross-sectional study, via hospital pharmacy services that included collecting data on acyclovir utilization from de-identified pharmacy records in maternity and children hospital in Alkharj from 1 Jan 2018 until 31 Aug 2020.

Results: A total of 1059 prescriptions contained acyclovir were dispensed between 1 Jan 2018 till 31 Aug 2020. In the present study, acyclovir was prescribed mainly as an intravenous (45.89%) or oral (34.09%) treatment. It is prescribed mainly as a vial (45.89%) followed by suspension (31.63%). Inpatient Ward prescribed 52.60% of the prescriptions and emergency department prescribed 25.87% of the prescriptions.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that acyclovir was prescribed commonly in the hospital and that it’s using should be monitored to ensure that it is prescribed and dispensed appropriately.