Skip to main content
Top

Open Access 23-10-2024 | Antibiotic | Research

Discrepancy between antibiotic pack sizes and guideline recommendations: a real-world analysis based on claims data

Authors: Sabrina M. Stollberg, Sereina M. Graber, Andreas Kronenberg, Oliver Senn, Stefan Neuner-Jehle, Catherine Pluess-Suard, Carola A. Huber, Andreas Plate

Published in: Infection

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

Antibiotics are often only available in predefined pack sizes, which may not align with guideline recommendations. This can result in leftover pills, leading to inappropriate self-medication or waste disposal, which can both foster the development of antibiotic resistance. The magnitude of inappropriate pack sizes is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential non-conformity of prescribed antibiotic pack sizes.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was based on claims data from a large Swiss health insurance company. The study analysed the prescriptions of eleven different antibiotic substances recommended for the five most common indications for antibiotics in Switzerland. All prescriptions for adult outpatients issued by general practitioners in 2022 were included and extrapolated to the entire Swiss population. Potential non-conformity was defined as a mismatch between the total dosage in a pack and the total dosage recommended.

Results

A total of n = 947,439 extrapolated prescriptions were analysed. In 10 of 23 of all analysed substance/indication combinations none of the prescribed packs aligned with the respective guideline recommendation. Considering pack sizes in which the total prescribed dosage of a substance did not correspond to any of the total dosages recommended in at least one of the guidelines, 31.6% of prescriptions were potentially non-conform and an estimated number of 2.7 million tablets were overprescribed.

Conclusions

We found a large discrepancy between prescribed pack sizes and guideline recommendations. Since inadequately prepacked antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary waste, efforts are needed to implement alternatives like exact pill dispensing.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
15.
go back to reference Fröhli D. Bevölkerungsumfrage zu Antibiotikaresistenzen 2022: Schlussbericht im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Gesundheit BAG [Population survey on antibiotic resistance 2022: Final report commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG)]2022. Fröhli D. Bevölkerungsumfrage zu Antibiotikaresistenzen 2022: Schlussbericht im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Gesundheit BAG [Population survey on antibiotic resistance 2022: Final report commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG)]2022.
18.
go back to reference Hanimann A, Hertig V, Stehlin C, Oetterli M, Visschers V. Machbarkeitsstudie Zur Einzelabgabe Von Antibiotika: Schlussberichts Zuhanden Des bundesamts für Gesundheit (BAG) [Feasibility study on the individual distribution of antibiotics: final. report for the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG); 2021. Hanimann A, Hertig V, Stehlin C, Oetterli M, Visschers V. Machbarkeitsstudie Zur Einzelabgabe Von Antibiotika: Schlussberichts Zuhanden Des bundesamts für Gesundheit (BAG) [Feasibility study on the individual distribution of antibiotics: final. report for the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG); 2021.
22.
go back to reference Swiss Society for Infectious Diseases. Guidelines Available from https://ssi.guidelines.ch/. Swiss Society for Infectious Diseases. Guidelines Available from https://​ssi.​guidelines.​ch/​.​
24.
Metadata
Title
Discrepancy between antibiotic pack sizes and guideline recommendations: a real-world analysis based on claims data
Authors
Sabrina M. Stollberg
Sereina M. Graber
Andreas Kronenberg
Oliver Senn
Stefan Neuner-Jehle
Catherine Pluess-Suard
Carola A. Huber
Andreas Plate
Publication date
23-10-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Infection
Print ISSN: 0300-8126
Electronic ISSN: 1439-0973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-024-02420-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

  • Live
  • Webinar | 29-01-2025 | 18:00 (CET)

Live: Wednesday 29th January, 18:00-19:30 CET

Growing numbers of young people are using e-cigarettes, despite warnings of respiratory effects and addiction. How can doctors tackle the epidemic, and what health effects should you prepare to manage in your clinics?

Prof. Ann McNeill
Dr. Debbie Robson
Benji Horwell
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Join the webinar

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Frailty has a significant impact on health and wellbeing, especially in older adults. Our experts explain the factors that contribute to the development of frailty and how you can manage the condition and reduce the risk of disability, dependency, and mortality in your patients.

Prof. Alfonso Cruz-Jentoft
Prof. Barbara C. van Munster
Prof. Mirko Petrovic
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Watch now

A quick guide to ECGs

Improve your ECG interpretation skills with this comprehensive, rapid, interactive course. Expert advice provides detailed feedback as you work through 50 ECGs covering the most common cardiac presentations to ensure your practice stays up to date. 

PD Dr. Carsten W. Israel
Developed by: Springer Medizin
Start the cases

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Developed by: Springer Medicine
Read more