Dispensing drugs without prescription and treating patients by pharmacy attendants in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Nine out of 30 pharmacies sold Valium tablets on verbal request, and 26 pharmacies sold us Cumadine when the empty bottle of Cumadine was presented to them. Drugs were dispensed by 15 pharmacies for abdominal pain; by 26 pharmacies for diarrhea; and by 27 pharmacies for sore throat. The types and amounts of drugs given for different symptoms are shown. Further instructions for follow-up referral were seldom offered. Only those who refused to dispense drugs gave advice such as physician referral or the need for obtaining a prescription.