Self medication: a potentially avoidable cause of antibiotic misuse and resistance

Authors

  • Anant D. Patil Freelance consultant: Medical communication and training

Keywords:

Antibiotic misuse, Antibiotic resistance, Self medication

Abstract

I read the article by Chawla S et al on buying patterns of drugs from pharmacies in Northern India with interest. Overall self medication was reported by close to one third (35.7%) study population. The results prompted me to write about burden of antibiotic self medication and measures to tackle this serious issue.Self medication with antibiotics is concern not only in India; several studies from different parts of world have shown antibiotics being misused and commonly consumed without prescription.

References

Chawla S, Agarwal M, Arora A. Audit of buying patterns of drugs from various pharmacies in Northern India. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013;2:326-9.

Skliros E, Merkouris P, Papazafiropoulou A, Gikas A, Matzouranis G, Papafragos C, et al. Self-medication with antibiotics in rural population in Greece: a cross-sectional multicenter study. BMC Family Practice 2010;11:58.

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Grigoryan L, Monnet DL, Haaijer-Ruskamp FM, Bonten MJ, Lundborg S. Verheij TJ. Self-medication with antibiotics in Europe: a case for action. Curr Drug Saf. 2010;5:329-32.

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Published

2017-01-31

How to Cite

Patil, A. D. (2017). Self medication: a potentially avoidable cause of antibiotic misuse and resistance. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 2(4), 498–499. Retrieved from https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/1307

Issue

Section

Letter to the Editor