[Macrolide consumption according to geographic areas in the province of Valladolid].

AIM

In our setting systemic antibiotics comprise one of the most extensively used treatment groups in Primary Care. Among these, the use of macrolides has increased considerably in recent years and has shown variations in consumption according to geographic areas. This work was performed to quantify these variations.

METHODS

Information on macrolide consumption in six geographic areas of the providence of Valladolid over 5 years (1996-2000) was compiled through data provided by International Marketing Services. The indicator used was the defined daily dose per 1,000 inhabitants and day.

RESULTS

Macrolide consumption varied considerably among the areas studied. Greatest use of the major macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin and spiramycin) was observed in the area of Medina del Campo. Use of the remaining active principles in this subgroup of antibiotics showed the following distribution: midecamycin in the city of Valladolid, azithromycin in Area Norte and roxithromycin in Area Sur.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrolide consumption showed significant differences according to areas, with some areas showing double the consumption of others. This diversity indicates specific patterns of use of the antimicrobials in this subgroup.