Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies in Zambia
Date
2016Author
Kalungia, Aubrey Chichonyi
Burger, Johanita
Godman, Brian
De Oliveira Costa, Juliana
Simuwelu, Chimwemwe
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Background: In Zambia, antibiotics are categorized as prescription-only medicines. Antibiotics dispensed without a prescription pose a public health threat, which is a concern. Consequently, the aim is to ascertain the extent of non-prescription sales and dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies in Zambia.
Methods: The practice of non-prescription sale and dispensing were assessed in 73 randomly selected community retail pharmacies, using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with simulated case scenarios.
Results: Majority (97%) stated that clients frequently requested non-prescribed antibiotics. Interviewees usually asked clients’ indications (94%), counselled on dosing (96%) and suggested changes to antibiotic choices (97%). All (100%) dispensed non-prescribed antibiotics. Commonly dispensed antibiotics included amoxicillin (52%), cotrimoxazole (25%) and metronidazole (23%). Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics was significantly associated with interviewees’ professional qualification in four out of five simulations.
Conclusion: Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics is widespread in Zambia. Concerted public and professional interventions are needed coupled with stronger regulatory enforcement to reduce this
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/20977https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2016.1227702
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14787210.2016.1227702
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- Faculty of Health Sciences [2386]