Understanding Home Antibiotic Use in Dubai

Article 65 of the Pharmacy Law in the UAE restricts the importation of any Antibiotics at Home in Dubai device or children's food without proper registration from the relevant authorities.1Travelers carrying controlled medication, including certain antibiotics, into the UAE must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health (MoH) website prior to their trip.24All other prescription and over-the-counter medications, including uncontrolled antibiotics, do not require prior approval from the MoH.24

Prevalence of Antibiotic Misuse and Self-Medication in Dubai

Studies have shown that antibiotic self-medication is a relatively frequent problem in the UAE.11Approximately one-third of respondents in a recent survey in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah reported taking antibiotics without a prescription.1011This high rate of self-medication with antibiotics is a major concern, as it can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.10

Factors Contributing to Antibiotic Misuse

Several factors have been identified as contributing to the misuse of antibiotics by Dubai residents. These include patient pressure on healthcare providers to prescribe antibiotics, even when not clinically indicated10the availability of antibiotics without a prescription from some pharmacies610and the practice of keeping leftover antibiotics at home for future use.10Additionally, high consultation fees may encourage some individuals to self-medicate rather than seeking professional medical advice.10

Efforts to Curb Antibiotic Misuse

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has taken steps to address the misuse of antibiotics, such as banning the sale of antibiotics without a prescription.10This measure has had some success, with a reported 43% reduction in antibiotic use in Abu Dhabi.10However, the high rate of self-medication identified in the recent study suggests that more work is needed to educate the public on the proper use of antibiotics and the dangers of misuse.10

Impact of Antibiotic Resistance

​The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in Dubai have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can lead to more severe and harder-to-treat infections.10Studies have found high rates of resistance to carbapenems, a class of antibiotics considered a "last resort" for treating serious infections, in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.10

Promoting Responsible Antibiotic Use

To address the issue of antibiotic misuse, healthcare providers in Dubai should be instructed not to give in to patient pressure for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.10Pharmacists should also be educated on the importance of informing patients about the risks of antibiotic misuse.10Additionally, efforts to raise public awareness about the proper use of antibiotics and the dangers of self-medication could help curb the spread of antibiotic resistance.