Survey: 79% of Pharmacies Refuse Daily Antibiotic Requests

A recent survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reveals that 79% of pharmacies face daily requests from patients for unnecessary antibiotics to treat minor ailments like colds and coughs, which are often viral and do not require such treatment. This inappropriate demand poses significant risks to patient safety and contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with 25% of pharmacies reporting patients frequently returning partially used antibiotics and 37% aware of stockpiling for future use. The NPA and UK Health Security Agency emphasize the widespread misconceptions about antibiotics among patients and the importance of public education to prevent misuse. Pharmacists, who see nearly two million patients daily, play a critical role as antimicrobial stewards by refusing inappropriate antibiotic requests and providing expert medication advice. Additional concerns include patients requesting antibiotics before travel as a precaution and the circulation of leftover antibiotics on social media. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued awareness campaigns and responsible antibiotic use to combat the growing threat of AMR.