Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Topical antibacterial drugs are generally used to treat superficial bacterial infections. In Malaysia, topical antibacterial drugs are mostly available as Over-The-Counter (OTC) products that enable the patients to gain access easily. Since indiscriminate use of topical antibacterial drugs had been recognized as a factor to drive antibacterial resistances, the roles of Community Pharmacists (CPs) are vital to ensure the appropriate use of these medications. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the perceptions and experiences of CPs in Kedah state, Malaysia on the dispensing of topical antibacterial drugs. A cross-sectional study involving a pre-validated questionnaire was conducted in community pharmacies within Kedah state, Malaysia. 53.4% of CPs in Kedah state perceived that topical antibacterial is not necessary for every topical bacterial infection. Patients’ information gathering and patient counselling were agreed to be important. Fusidic acid was the most frequently dispensed topical antibacterial drug while superficial wound was reported to be the most frequently encountered topical bacterial infection. 12.60% of CPs encountered antibacterial resistance cases but none of them reported. The drug that was having resistance issue was identified to be Neomycin. CPs in Kedah state generally had the right perceptions on the dispensing of topical antibacterial drugs. However, their knowledge on the rational use of topical antibacterial drugs and vigilance on the antibacterial resistance issue should be improved. Nevertheless, vigilance of CPs on antibacterial resistance issue was low. Thus, more training and educational programmes should be implemented to promote rational antibiotic use and improve CPs’ vigilances on antibacterial resistance issues.

Biography

Sathish Amirthalingam has completed BPharm, MPharm, PhD and PGDHM. He is a Clinical Pharmacist from India and currently working in International Medical University, Malaysia. He was a state first and distinction Research Scholar in Post-Graduation level. He has a teaching and professional experience of 13 years in the field of pharmacy. He received 6 awards from various bodies from pharmacy fields including state and national levels for best research paper and research project. He had written 2 books in pharmacy field like clinical pharmacy and pathophysiology for pharmacy students. He has published 21 national and international papers, 2 copyright of his innovative clinical software and has presented 18 papers in national and international conferences. He has guided 4 Under-Graduate, 8 Post-Graduate projects and he is guiding 4 more Under-Graduate projects currently. He also associated with Life Member in various professional bodies like IPA, IHPA and was a Member of board of studies in Department of Pharmacology, S P University.

Email: SathishAmirthalingam@imu.edu.my