Prospective evaluation of modalities of ceftazidime prescription

: Between November 1987 and October 1988, we have prospectively studied 101 hospital prescriptions of ceftazidime, a third generation cephalosporine, including all the health care departements of St Joseph hospital. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the date: dosage, length, and conditions of prescriptions. We observed that this antibiotic is correctly prescribed concerning dosage, length of prescription, and is adapted to bacteriological findings. The striking results were a high proportion of empirical prescriptions (48%) comparing to less than 10% 6 months before the beninning of this study. 75% of these empirical prescriptions being later on confirmed by bacteriological exams.