Objectives: Rational usage of drugs is defined as “the easiest and the cheapest way of achievement of drugs in proper duration and dosage, suitable for their individual clinical conditions”. In this study; concordance of antibiotic (mostly consumed drugs in our country) consumption with principles of rational antibiotics usage is investigated via investigation of prescription attitudes of the first stage general practitioners in frequently diagnosed community-acquired infections and factors affecting these attitudes.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty three general practitioners (GPs) working in the first stage health institutions were included in the study. A poll including 44 open-ended questions on five frequently diagnosed community-acquired infections was applied to GP and the data derived were analyzed.

Results: Of the GPs, 69 (%56,1) were educated on rational antibiotics usage during medical education and 33 (%39,5) were in postgraduate period. Penicillines were preferred only in %37,8 of acute tonsillopharyngitis. β-laktam + β-laktamase inhibitor combination was preferred more than amoxicillin which should be preferred principally in acute otitis media and sinusitis. In cystitis; 47,1 %of GPs recommended 3 to 5 day therapy but 52,9 %applied 7 to 10 day therapy.

Conclusion: We believe that ongoing postgraduate education programs, repetitive surveillance activities and updating of therapeutic guidelines in accordance with local data combined with the compliance to these algorithms should be provided to have a concise understanding of rational antibiotic usage.©2008, Firat University, Medical Faculty.