Treatment of uncomplicated cystitis: analysis of prescribing in New Zealand.

AIMS

To describe prescribing for women with suspected urinary tract infections, including suspected uncomplicated cystitis, in New Zealand.

METHODS

Randomly selected community pharmacies participated in the study. Women attending the pharmacy in a 2-week period in 2012 for prescribed or non-prescription treatment of symptoms suggesting a urinary tract infection, or prophylaxis of a urinary tract infection, were invited to self-complete a questionnaire. Analysis focused on prescribing for women with symptoms of cystitis without complicating features.

RESULTS

Valid questionnaires arising from a prescription treatment were received from 789 patients from 139 pharmacies. Questionnaire data indicated that 17% of women had symptoms of cystitis without complicating features. Most prescribing was for a first-line agent, trimethoprim (59%) or nitrofurantoin (14%), but norfloxacin was also common (21%). Women with self-reported antibiotic use for suspected cystitis in the past 6 months were more likely to be prescribed norfloxacin than those with no such use. Many prescriptions were for a dose or duration outside those recommended in New Zealand guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

While use of first-line agents is generally high, norfloxacin use could be reduced further. There is scope to understand clinical practice that deviates from guideline use regarding dose and duration.