Strategies to be Implemented in Sri Lanka to Improve Appropriate Antibiotic Dispensing Practices: A Narrative Review

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.