International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 253-257, October 2002

Over-the-counter acquisition of antibiotics in the Maltese general population

Infection Control Unit, St. Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia MSD 07, Malta

Received 28 January 2002; accepted 17 April 2002.

Abstract 

Few studies have studied the frequency of over-the-counter acquisition of antibiotics in western countries. In order to provide an insight into these practices in Malta, attitudes towards antibiotic use in the general public were researched through a structured interview. Nineteen percent admitted that they took antibiotics without prescription and 11% of parents replied that they had given antibiotics to their children without prescription. These antibiotics were mainly self-administered for upper respiratory tract symptoms, particularly sore throat, with community pharmacies being the major source in more than 85% of cases. The study indicates the need for an educational campaign on proper antibiotic use amongst the Maltese general public.

Keywords:  OTC, Antibiotics, Malta

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PII: S0924-8579(02)00194-2

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 253-257, October 2002

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