Abstract:

Introduction: Antibiotics are important for the world, since their discovery (1928) have revolutionized treatment of bacterial infection and contributed to significance decrease of mortality. The misuse or overuse of these drugs, result into a growing global public health problem of antibiotic resistance.

Methodology: A cross section pharmacy based study using mystery client method was conducted in community pharmacies and accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) shops in Mwanza region Tanzania. The study included all pharmacies and ADDO shops in total of 612, community pharmacies (92) and ADDO shops (520). Data was filled and analysed in STATA version 13 and then recorded based on data collection.

Results and Discussion: Overall proportion of antibiotics dispensed without prescription by drug sellers were 87.6% (535). This is lower compared to the study conducted in Moshi 92.3% (82) and higher compared to the study conducted in Dar es Salaam (71%) This clearly indicates that antibiotics dispensing without prescription is a common problem in Tanzania which require much attention. Of all drugs sellers, only 0.82% (5) from community pharmacies demanded for prescription. Penicilins 297 (67.8%), were the most antibiotics class dispensed. Out of 232 and 76 amoxicillin and metronidazole requested without prescription, 227 (97.8%) and 74 (97.5%) were dispensed respectively. This is similar with the results obtained from a study done in Addis Ababa where about 93.2% of Amoxicillin were dispensed without prescription to the clients with simulated upper respiratory infections.

Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed a high proportion 87.6% of dispensing antibiotics without prescription from both community pharmacies and ADDO shops in Mwanza region, Tanzania. Most of the antibiotics especially common antibiotics (including amoxicillin, metronidazole, and ampicillin) are dispensed without prescription in Mwanza. TMDA should ensure it enforces the law regarding antibiotic dispensing policies in Tanzania.