Work

Exploring antibiotic knowledge and dispensing behaviours in community pharmacy settings: a crosssectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Antibiotics (Ab's) are playing a major role in treating bacterial infections, but their misuse and overuse have led to antibiotic resistance (ABR), complicating the treatment strategy and increasing healthcare costs.Over 50% of antibiotics are obtained from the community pharmacies through over-the-counter (OTC) purchases, often without a prescription, emphasizing the important role of pharmacists in ensuring appropriate use of Ab's.This study points out key factors influencing the dispensing of antibiotics without proper prescriptions, especially for minor infections.It found that inadequate pharmacists' knowledge often leads the way to improper dispensing practices, accompanied by socio-demographic factors such as age, experience, and employment status.The study also focuses attention on the importance of pharmacists' educational qualifications in shaping their grasp of antibiotics.To address these issues, targeted educational interference, clear dispensing regulation, and policy reinforcement are crucial to assisting responsible antibiotic use.

Source: Pharmaceutical Sciences Asia

DOI: 10.29090/psa.2025.02.24.3388

Authors: Karan Selvaraju, Deepthi C Denny, Thiruvenkadam Mahendiran, Grace Shaji Chittilappilly

Institutions: PSG College of Pharmacy, Karpagam College of Pharmacy Coimbatore, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Use and Resistance

Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410873929