Assessment of the Bangladeshi antibiotic market: Implications of the WHO AWaRe classification and dosage form availability on antimicrobial resistance.

Background: Availability of antibiotics without prescription contributes to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance due to widespread self-medication and improper use. In this study, we aimed to assess the antibiotic market in Bangladesh according to the WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification system to better understand how the unregulated access of antibiotics may influence self-medication practices and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the country.

Methods: Data on AWaRe class antibiotics, their strengths, and dosage forms were collected from Bangladeshi drug indexing smartphone applications, the Bangladesh National Formulary (BDNF), and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) website.