| Popis: |
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge. Sri Lanka a developing country is more vulnerable to AMR than developed nations due to numerous complex healthcare system issues including inappropriate dispensing practices of antibiotics at community pharmacies leading to inappropriate antimicrobial use. Objective: The aim of this review is to describe possible strategies for implementation in Sri Lanka to improve the appropriate antibiotic dispensing practices. Methods: Using EMBASE, MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), a literature search was conducted for articles published between January 1980 and November 2017 that described studies involved in antibiotic dispensing at community pharmacies. Results: Inappropriate antibiotic dispensing is substantial in developing countries and a major contributing reason for overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in the community. Evidenced-based interventional studies showed; enforcement of law, education for pharmacy staff, awareness of consumers, and peer influence can minimize inappropriate dispensing practices at community pharmacies in developing countries. Conclusion: A multi-faceted approach is required to improve appropriate antibiotic dispensing practices in a developing country like Sri Lanka. Interventional strategies such as enforcement of existing medicines regulations, provision of targeted education and extensive training of pharmacy personnel, increased awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and AMR by consumers, and implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program should be implemented and evaluated to help overcome the enablers of inappropriate antibiotics dispensing practices. |
