Evaluation of Outpatient Azithromycin Prescribing Practices at 108 Military Central Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the appropriateness of indications, dosages, and durations of outpatient azithromycin prescriptions at the 108 Military Central Hospital. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all outpatient prescriptions containing oral azithromycin from October 1^st to December 31^st, 2025. The appropriateness of prescriptions was evaluated against the brand name product label, the 3rd Edition of the Vietnamese National Drug Formulary, and the diagnostic and treatment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. Results: Analysis of 238 patients (mean age 42.1 years; 62.2% male) showed that azithromycin was primarily prescribed for skin and soft tissue infections (32.8%), upper respiratory tract infections (31.1%), and genital infections (26.9%). The rates of appropriate indications and dosing regimens were notably high, at 89.1% and 88.2%, respectively. However, the rate of appropriate treatment duration was only 42.9%. Up to 57.1% of all prescriptions extended beyond the recommended duration; alarmingly, 100% of the prescriptions for genital infections had an inappropriate duration. Conclusion: Practices of outpatient azithromycin prescribing at the facility demonstrated excellent adherence to recommended indications and dosages; however, the inappropriate prolongation of treatment duration remains a significant issue. The hospital should urgently implement Antimicrobial Stewardship interventions, with a focus on integrating a clinical decision support system to control the duration of prescriptions. This is essential to protect patients from cardiovascular risks and to mitigate the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria.