Objective: Irrational use of antimicrobials is a major driver of antimicrobial
resistance, exacerbated by dispensing antibiotics without a prescription. Our
previous study suggested this was a problem in the Republic of Srpska despite
legislation. Since then, a number of activities have been initiated. Consequently,
the study aimed to ascertain whether these multiple initiatives had reduced this.
Methods: Patients visiting all community pharmacies in the Republic from
October 2014 to July 2015 presenting with symptoms typical of an acute, viral,
and mostly uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, with results compared
to the previous study. If an antibiotic was suggested, the maximum allowance
was €3/pack. Findings: Self‑medication with antibiotics significantly decreased
from 58% to 18.5% of pharmacies. In both studies, most patients were offered
over‑the‑counter medication. The most common reason for not dispensing an
antibiotic was “antibiotics can be dispensed with a prescription only.” The penicillins
were the most dispensed antibiotic. Fewer patients than the previous study were
given instructions about antibiotic use and no discussion on their side effects.
Conclusion: While encouraging that self‑medication decreased significantly,
18.5% were disappointing given recent initiatives. Fewer instructions about
antibiotics if an antibiotic was dispensed were also disappointing. This suggests
the need for even stronger enforcement of the laws as well as further training of
pharmacy personnel to ensure the future appropriate use of medicines.
