Self-prescribed antibiotics by Saudi patients as a routine self-management of dental problems

Introduction: Over the counter antibiotics have become a routine practice for self-management. No rules or regulations restrict or control the use of such antibiotics in Saudi Arabia. Most antibiotics are available in private pharmacies without prescription. Materials & methods: A single page survey was conducted for Saudi patients attending the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia and the dental clinics at College of Dentistry, Salman Bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was filled by interviewing patients by the consultant or senior registrars. The questionnaire was validated by pretesting it on a small group of 32 patients. A total of 987 patients were interviewed and only those who had taken medication for their dental complaint were included in the study. Data were collected and analyzed by descriptive analysis using SPSS software. Results: The total number of interviewed patients was 987 (782 male and 205 females) of which 793 (80%) had taken medication to their dental complaints. Out of the 793 patients 637 (80%) had used self-prescribed antibiotics for their dental complaints. The level of education did not affect the behavior of self-medication as the percentage of such behavior was almost similar in different education groups. Self-prescribed antibiotics were used with employed patients (82%) more than unemployed patients (79%) but this was statistically insignificant. Patients who were healthy showed more prevalence for the use of self-prescribed antibiotics (87%) than unhealthy patients (75%). The major source of self-prescribed antibiotics was private pharmacies (93.6%). The main reason behind taking self-medication was an advice from a friend (80%). Conclusion: Self-prescribed antibiotics for common dental problems is a common practice among Saudi patients. Such problem needs to be addressed and controlled by patient's motivation and reinforced regulations related to dispense of antibiotics without prescription from private pharmacies.