ArticleThe Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy2024
Online availability of antibiotics from within the UK: shifting patterns from 2016 to 2023.
Article in The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Dietary conflicts with standard clinical procedures for colonoscopy in Phenylketonuria: a case report.Journal of medical case reports · 2026Article
- Assessment of Availability of Antibiotics for Online Sale and Comparison of E-pharmacies in India.Cureus · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundWe previously reported a cross-sectional analysis of online pharmacy practices and processes. Since then, the demand for and context of online healthcare has changed. However, the current state of access to and usage of antibiotics obtained online remains poorly understood.
objectivesThis study aimed to: (i) determine the legality of online pharmacies selling antibiotics in the UK; (ii) describe processes for obtaining antibiotics online; (iii) identify antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and patient safety issues; and (iv) compare data with those obtained in 2016 to understand changes in context, and set priorities for targeted research in antibiotic access and usage.
methodsSearches for 'buy antibiotics online' were conducted using 'Google' and 'Yahoo'. The first 10 websites with unique URL addresses for each were reviewed. Analyses were conducted on evidence of pharmacy registration, prescription requirement, whether choice was 'prescriber-driven' or 'consumer-driven', and whether information was required (allergies, comorbidities, pregnancy) or given (adverse effects) prior to purchase.
resultsTwenty unique URL addresses were analysed. Those evidencing UK location (n = 20; 100%) required a prescription and were appropriately registered. For 11 (55%) online pharmacies, decisions were initially consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, but not for dose or duration; contrasting with 2016 when for most (n = 16; 80%), decisions were consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, dose and quantity.
conclusionsVariation continues to exist in relation to antibiotic practices online. We make several key recommendations for lawmakers and stakeholders. Targeted research, improved public engagement, professional education and new best practice guidelines are urgently needed for online UK antibiotic suppliers.
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