Dispensing of antibiotics, antitussives and mucolytics to asthma patients: a pharmacy-based observational survey.

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics, antitussives and mucolytics are commonly used in asthma, despite limited evidence for their effectiveness. The correlates of use for these medication classes in asthma were identified.

METHODS

Asthma patients aged 18-50 who were regular customers of pharmacies were included in an observational study. Patients completed a questionnaire, which was complemented by computerised pharmacy records of previously dispensed medications. Users of each drug class were compared to non-users in terms of demographics, asthma characteristics and management.

RESULTS

Among 886 patients (mean age: 37; 55% females), 63.2%, 55.8% and 27.2%, respectively, were users of antibiotics, mucolytics and antitussives during the previous 12 months. In multivariate analysis, dispensing of >2 units of oral corticosteroids was the major correlate of receiving antibiotics (OR=5.47; 95% CI=[3.00-9.97]), mucolytics (OR=3.93; 95% CI=[2.38-6.50]) and antitussives (OR=1.86; 95% CI=[1.18-2.94]). Compared to well-controlled patients, the probability of receiving antibiotics was significantly higher for poorly controlled patients (OR=2.01; 95% CI=[1.28-3.15]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that these drugs are mainly used during asthma exacerbations. A better understanding of the use of co-medication in asthma is required.