Knowledge, attitude, and the practice of community pharmacists to dispense opioid-related and opioid-containing medication in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacists—working in Saudi Arabia—regarding over-the-counter opioid-related and opioid-containing medications. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire that was distributed through social media and taken to the community pharmacists in person. A total of 101 responders were reached in a period of around 3 weeks. Results: Most of the pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia are non-Saudi (85.15%), males (88.12%), and the majority are holders of bachelor's degrees (85.15%). More than half of the participants spend a considerably sufficient time with the patient 6–10 minutes (60.4%). The availability of a private counseling room in community pharmacies is significantly low (21.78%). Only (69.41%) of participants always counsel the patient before dispensing opioid-related medications. Most of the participants (84.76%) believe that all over-the-counter opioid-related and opioid-containing medications should be restricted to avoid drug abuse. Conclusion: A little neglect from pharmacists' side regarding dispensing such medications was observed; thus, there is a significant need to raise their awareness regarding over-the-counter opioid abuse.

Keywords

• codeine
• community
• dextromethorphan
• loperamide
• opioid
• pharmacist