Assessment of antibiotic availability without prescription in Lithuanian community pharmacies

Abstract

In most of the countries antibiotics are prescription-only medications. These requirements are a wise measure to control people from self-medication which could increase antibiotic resistance. To explore availability of antibiotics without prescription in Lithuanian community pharmacies and to evaluate pharmaceutical care to individual patient.;A research was developed based on the methodology of mystery shopping. Total 249 pharmacies in 3 different cities were visited. Study was performed from September 2011 to March 2012. Two different cases were presented at pharmacies: asked amoxicillin without providing a prescription for a flu and allergy symptoms. Surveyors were trained in symptoms. All shoppers have filled a standardized visit form. Data were analyzed with the SPSS Statistics 17.0 package. 92% of visited pharmacies refused to obtain antibiotics over the counter. 12,8% of visited pharmacists explained that antibiotics could not be given over the counter for health care reasons. 12,4% suggested other methods of treatment. 45% of pharmacists had referred patient to doctor. Antibiotics were obtained more often (p>0,5) when the flu was simulated (10%) and rarely (5%) when the allergy was simulated. 61% of visited pharmacists who refused to sell antibiotics continued conversation with patient. Availability of non-prescribed antibiotics is low in Lithuanian community pharmacies. Community pharmacists promoting pharmaceutical care. Despite this there are cases when pharmacists under use their position as health communicators ant this should be changed and reduced to a minimum.antibiotics, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical care, mystery shopper.