Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on antibiotic sales in suburbs of Galle

Introduction: Antibiotics are considered as one of the highest selling drug classes all over the world. This is more evident in low-income countries such as Sri Lanka. With the introduction of travel restrictions and hygiene measures due to the COVID-19 outbreak, one can expect a reduction in usage of non-COVID antibiotics among the general public. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the sales of common antibiotics in community pharmacies during the lockdown period in the suburbs of Galle district.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on reported antibiotic sales in three community pharmacies in Galle suburbs, Sri Lanka. During the two lockdown periods, information on sales of four commonly used antibiotics (Co-amoxiclav, Cefuroxime, Ciprofloxacin, and Metronidazole) were obtained from three pharmacies. For comparison, sales data for two commonly used non-antibiotic drugs (Diclofenac sodium and Losartan potassium), were obtained for the same period. Sales of these drugs were compared before and during lockdown periods using non-parametric tests at 0.05 significance level.
Results: Clear reductions in sale of antibiotics and control drugs were identified during both lockdown periods. There was a significant difference between the reductions of antibiotic sale in the first and second lockdown periods (52% vs 12%, p<0.05). The reduction of sales between antibiotics and control drugs during two lockdown periods is statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusions: There was a reduction in both antibiotic and controlled drug sales during both lockdowns. A comparatively higher antibiotic sale was identified in the second lockdown and possibly due to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions during that time.