ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-003, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Evaluation of use of antibiotic without prescription among young adults
Oyetunde, Olubukola O.*, Olugbake, Olubusola A. and Famudehin, Kehinde F.
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, CMUL campus Idi araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Accepted 18 October, 2016
Abstract
Antibiotics are usually prescription only medicines. A high percentage of world’s antibiotics are however used in the community without prescriptions. The study evaluated use of antibiotics without prescription among young adults in Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed to assess reported purchase, name and use of antibiotic without prescription. 38.79% respondents reported purchase of an antibiotic without a prescription. Only 25.86% correctly named an antibiotic as the medicine purchased. Among the respondents who purchased an antibiotic without a prescription, 90% used medicine for inadequate duration (< 5days) or at wrong dosing intervals. The most commonly named antibiotic purchased without a prescription is Ampiclox®. It is important to enforce regulation and sales of antibiotic to ensure rational use.
Key words: Misuse, self-prescription, antibiotics.