Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies in Zambia

作者：Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi; Burger Johanita; Godman Brian^*; Costa Juliana de Oliveira; Simuwelu Chimwemwe

来源：Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 2016, 14(12): 1215-1223.

DOI：10.1080/14787210.2016.1227702

• Antibiotics
• non-prescription sale
• dispensing
• community pharmacy
• Zambia

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.

• 出版日期2016-12
• 单位西北大学