Aubrey Chichonyi Kalungia1, Johanita Burger2, Brian Godman3,4, Juliana de Oliveira Costa5, Chimwemwe Simuwelu1. 1. a Department of Pharmacy , University of Zambia , Lusaka , Zambia. 2. b Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences , North-West University (Potchefstroom campus) , Potchefstroom , South Africa. 3. c Division of Clinical Pharmacology , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden. 4. d Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK. 5. e SUS Collaborating Centre - Health Technology Assessment & Excellence in Health, Department of Social Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.
Abstract
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.
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.
Entities:
Keywords:
Antibiotics; Zambia; community pharmacy; dispensing; non-prescription sale
Authors: Abdelrahman G Tawfik; Abdullah I Abdelaziz; Mohamad Omran; Khaled A Rabie; Al-Shaimaa F Ahmed; Adel Abou-Ali Journal: Int J Clin Pharm Date: 2020-11-24
Authors: Sylvia Omulo; Samuel M Thumbi; Svetlana Lockwood; Jennifer R Verani; Godfrey Bigogo; Geoffrey Masyongo; Douglas R Call Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-10-02 Impact factor: 3.240