Abstract
Introduction: Banned and harmful medicines can affect patient’s health,
safety and life. There are two medicines available in Aden community
pharmacies (phenolphthalein (PP) and ketoconazole (KZ)) that are
globally banned. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
availability and dispensing of banned phenolphthalein and ketoconazole
by community pharmacists. Methods: A preliminary cross-sectional
simulated patients method was carried out. The study gathered data on
dispensing behavior. Simulated patients were trained to access the
availability of banned drugs existing in the community pharmacies (CP).
The availability of these two banned drugs was observed and recorded.
The pharmacists were asked about the availability of a PP laxative for
treating constipation called in Yemen a khat laxative (Sharbat Alkhat)
and KZ for fungal infections in 50 convenient samples of CPs that were
selected based on ease of access by the simulated patients. Results: PP
was found in 3/50 (6%) pharmacies, while 31/50 (62%) pharmacies kept
KZ in the premise. Conclusion: The availability of these drugs in Yemeni
pharmacies is worrisome. It can affect the safety of the public.