| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2025.02.24.3388 | Pharm Sci Asia 2025; 52(2), 292-301 |
Exploring antibiotic knowledge and dispensing behaviours in community pharmacy settings: a cross-sectional studyKaran Selvaraju1, *, Deepthi C Denny1, Thiruvenkadam Mahendiran2, Grace Shaji Chittilappilly3
1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
2
Department of Pharmacology, Karpagam College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
3
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Karpagam College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
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.
Keyword:
Community pharmacist; Antibiotics; Knowledge and practice.
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