Dispensing Practices of Antibiotics among Community Pharmacies of Bharatpur, Nepal: A Simulated Patient Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background:The practice of community pharmacies dispensing antibiotics without a prescription is widespread, and improper use of these medications is associated with the emergence of resistance. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the dispensing practices of antimicrobials in community pharmacies of Bharatpur city, Nepal. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study involving 101 community pharmacies of Bharatpur Metropolitan city was conducted for a duration of six months starting from 1st January 2022 till 30th June 2022. A simulated patient method was used to determine the antimicrobials dispensing practices using a case scenario of acute diarrhea. Using a simple random method, the community pharmacy was chosen as the study site from among the community pharmacies that were registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). A trained pharmacists posing as a simulated patient gathered data, and the data was then analyzed using chi-square test to find out the association. Results:Ninety-three percent of the 101 community pharmacies dispensed antimicrobials without prescription. Among the most frequently dispensed medications were antimicrobials (53.5%), gastrointestinal agents (44.4%) and mineral supplements (2%). Moreover, the trend of dispensing antimicrobials was significantly higher among non-pharmacy professionals (p=0.014), including Health Assistants (64%), Community Medical Assistance (55.6%) and those with orientation training (42.9%). Conclusion:The study findings indicate that there is unquestionably irrational dispensing of antimicrobials in cases of acute diarrhea. To reduce this, it is necessary to prioritize awareness campaigns about the responsible use of antimicrobials, and to ensure that relevant policies, rules and regulations are implemented promptly.

KEYWORDS

• Antibiotic resistance
• Community pharmacy
• Dispensing practice
• Simulated patient

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.5530/jyp.20251698Copy

RELATED ARTICLES

Matched on section and article type within this issue of JYP.

• Article · VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2Stability Indicating Simultaneous Quantification of Chlorogenic Acid and Berberine in Homeopathic Polyherbal Formulation by AQbD Based HPLCKalyani Kasetti, Sailaja Bandhakavi · pp. 319–328Original ArtcileSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2Development of Microemulsion of Marjoram Oil in the Line of Treatment of Otitis MediaAvinash Balasaheb Gangurde, Vaibhav Sudam Pandit, Kranti Ashok Suryawanshi, Bhagyashri Vijay Soundane, Sandesh Ragho Nikam, Parag Ashok Pathade · pp. 329–335Original ArtcileSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Pain Relief Gel for its Effect on Rheumatoid ArthritisBratati Bandyopadhyay, Arif Munsi, Kabirul Islam Mollah, Biplab Debnath, Amlan Bishal · pp. 336–343Original ArtcileSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2Comprehensive Study on the Pharmacognostical, Physico-Phytochemical, and Analytical Properties of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. FruitPunam Aggarwal, Vishal Kumar, Renjini Haridas, Divyani Singh, Swapnil Chaudhari, Galib Ruknuddin · pp. 344–352Original ArtcileSame type: Article