Reduced dispensing of prescribed antibiotics during the Covid-19 pandemic has not increased severe complications from common infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sweden has seen an accelerated decline in the number of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions from an already low level during the Covid-19 pandemic. This prompted us to explore whether the decrease in antibiotic prescriptions has reached a critically low level and resulted in an increase in treatment of severe complications from common infections. The aim was to study if the accelerated decrease in antibiotic sales has led to an increase in complications in outpatients with common infections.

Method

A population-based nationwide registry study based on the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and the National Patient Register.

Results

The total number of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions decreased by 17% during 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was most pronou

SUBMITTER: Norman C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8822723 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature