A Comparative Study of the Treatment of Giardiasis with Commercially Marketed Medicine, Metronidazol with Compounding Medicine at a Rural Hospital in Ethiopia

A Comparative Study of the Treatment of Giardiasis with Commercially Marketed Medicine, Metronidazol with Compounding Medicine at a Rural Hospital in Ethiopia

Abstract

Synopsis: The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment of giardiasis condition with metronidazole, comparing commercially marketed medicine metronidazole, with in-house metronidazole compounding medication, in a rural hospital situated in the south of Ethiopia.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Gambo Rural Hospital in Ethiopia. From 1st to 18th July 2014 the treatment used was by administration of commercially marketed metronidazole and, thereafter, from19th July to 6th August 2014 by administration of in-house metronidazole compounding medicine, produced at the Pharmacy of the Gambo Hospital Pharmacy.

Results: The final study sample consisted of 37 patients: 12 patients were treated with commercially produced medicine and 25 with compound medicine. Three out of the 12 patients treated with commercial medicine were unsuccessful (25%), whilst zero out of the 25 patients treated with the compound medicine were unsuccessful, (0%) (p=0.03) (A difference of 25%; Confidence interval of 95%: 0.3% - 57.1%).

Conclusions: Metronidazole compounding medicine was a better alternative against commercial marketed metronidazole for the