Antibiotic Prescribing in United States Nursing Homes, 2013-2017

J Infect Dis. 2023 Aug 16;228(4):464-468. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad087.

Abstract

In this national cohort of older adults residing long-term in US nursing homes between 2013 and 2017, we calculated period prevalence estimates for antibiotic prescribing, rates of prescribing, and days of therapy. Among 1 375 062 residents, 66.2% were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic during the nursing home stay. The most prevalent antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and related agents, and first-generation cephalosporins. Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the most prevalent antibiotics. These results can inform antibiotic stewardship interventions to reduce antibiotic overprescribing, improve appropriateness, and reduce related adverse outcomes in nursing homes.

Keywords: Medicare; antibacterial agents; nursing homes; older adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Humans
  • Nursing Homes*
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination