ABSTRACT

Self-administration of antibiotics is one of the major reasons for antibiotic resistance in developing countries. Antibiotics are freely available as over the counter drugs in pharmacies. Medical students who are the future medical professionals are also involved in antibiotic self-administration at an alarming rate. There is limited local data available on antibiotic self-administration among medical students. Keeping these factors in view, we have done a survey-based research project on second year MBBS students. Among these students 46(41.18%) admitted to use antibiotics for different ailments in previous two months. Students have used a wide range of antibiotics from almost all antibiotic drug group. Only 13(28.16%) students had some knowledge about the side effects of these antibiotics and rest 33(71.73%) were unaware of the adverse and side effects of these drugs. The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication in medical students was found to be alarmingly high. Effective strategies involving regulatory enforcement prohibiting sales of antibiotics without prescription should be implemented along with educational interventions for health professionals and the public.

Keywords: Self medication, antibiotics, medical students