Self-medication with antibiotics in the Republic of Srpska community pharmacies: pharmacy staff behavior

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Vanda Marković-Peković, Nataša Grubiša

Abstract

Self-medication with antibiotics adds to the global risk of increased spread of bacterial resistance. Attitudes and behavior of health professionals also may reinforce self-medication with antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine whether self-medication with antibiotics is possible in our community pharmacies and to what extent, and to evaluate the behavior and service of pharmacy health professionals regarding non-prescription antibiotic dispensation. An observational, cross-section study was conducted, and pseudo-patient methodology was used to establish the kind of professional service provided in case of patient's explicit demand to buy an antibiotic for treatment of self-diagnosed upper respiratory tract infection. Of the total 318 community pharmacies, 131 (41%) were visited and included in the study. Non-prescription antibiotics were dispensed in 76 (58%) pharmacies. Counseling and symptomatic therapy was offered in 88 (67%) pharmacies. In 25% of pharmacies, no symptomatic therapy was offered; instead, only an antibiotic was sold. Amoxicillin was sold in 85% of cases and, mostly, the one of 1.30 Euro per pack. Both oral and written use instructions were given in 78% cases, whereas none was given in 3% of cases...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 13, 2018·European Journal of Public Health·Verica IvanovskaAukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
Aug 10, 2019·The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice·Ingunn BjörnsdottirPauline Norris
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Nov 12, 2020·Antibiotics·Ana Daniela BatistaMaria Teresa Herdeiro
Jul 10, 2021·Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research·Brian GodmanJohanna C Meyer

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