Behavior of Community Pharmacist of Buraydah city, Saudi Arabia, on Dispensing Antibiotics Without Prescription: A Cross-Sectional Study

Despite restrictions on the sale of antibiotics, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has been reported in several regions of Saudi Arabia. Community pharmacist can play an important role in controlling widespread misuse of antibiotics as they are in direct contact with the general public. Elucidation of their behavior in dispensing antibiotics is useful to determine the public attitude towards antibiotic use. Thus the current study was designed to examine the behavior of pharmacist towards antibiotics dispensing in north-central city of Saudi Arabia, Buraydah. The data in the study was obtained by distributing validated questionnaire, among practicing pharmacist of Buraydah. Majority of the respondents were bachelor degree holder (84%) with an experience of 5-10 years (41%) in the profession. Around 46% of the practicing pharmacist claim to dispense only safe and effective antibiotics. Some of the respondents suggested for enhanced awareness programmes, strong antibiotic dispensing policy and clarification on over the counter (OTC) list to every pharmacies in order to prevent illicit use of antibiotics. To conclude, there is a poor approach from practicing Pharmacist on health hazards of antibiotic misuse. Hence, there is an urgent need to intensify regulations with appropriate awareness campaigns.