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Drug dispensing practices at pharmacies in Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study
R Soumya1, Vijayalakshmi Devarashetty1, C R Jayanthi1
1Department of Pharmacology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Fort, Kalasipalyam, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Pharmacology
|October 21, 2016
Summary
Community pharmacists frequently dispense medications without prescriptions, particularly in residential areas. This practice, along with issues in medication counseling and storage, highlights a need for improved pharmacist education and regulatory oversight.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Practice
- Community Pharmacy
- Public Health
Background:
- Pharmacists are vital community health points, offering extensive public outreach.
- Ensuring dispensing quality is crucial for rational medicine use, especially with ready-to-use drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dispensing practices and identify areas for improvement in community pharmacies.
- To evaluate pharmacist awareness of regulations and dispensing quality in Bengaluru.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 200 pharmacies in Bengaluru (100 residential, 100 commercial).
- Data collected via prevalidated questionnaires administered to pharmacy in-charges.
Main Results:
- 45% of dispensing occurred without a prescription, higher in residential areas (46.64%).
- Analgesics were most commonly dispensed without prescription (90%).
- Suboptimal practices observed in antibiotic dispensing (31% ensured full course), prescription checks (19%), medication counseling, and drug storage (31% lacked power backup for refrigerators).
- Only 50% of pharmacists knew Schedule H; many were unaware of current regulations.
Conclusions:
- High rates of dispensing without prescription and medication counseling irregularities were found.
- Unsatisfactory drug storage practices and low awareness of regulations necessitate action.
- Regulatory enforcement and educational initiatives are essential to enhance pharmacist knowledge and dispensing practices.
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