Implementation of e-commerce in digitized pharmacies for the proper use of antibiotics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61286/e-RPM.2025.261Keywords:
Antibiotics; Antibiotic resistance; E-commerce; Telepharmacies; Consumer behavior.Abstract
Pharmaceutical e-commerce has emerged as a key tool for distributing medications in digital environments; however, its expansion poses risks associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the increase in antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of pharmaceutical e-commerce in Peru and its impact on dispensing practices and therapeutic adherence. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was applied during October 2022 in a well-established online pharmacy in Latin America. The sample consisted of 4,590 online shoppers who purchased the five most in-demand antibiotics: ampicillin, dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Indicators of supply, prescription validation, conversion rates, dosage appropriateness, and therapeutic adherence were analyzed. The results showed a conversion rate of 58.1% and an acceptance rate of 71.5%. However, 24.4% of requests were not validated due to a lack of a prescription, highlighting deficiencies in digital health monitoring. An average treatment discontinuation rate of 27.6% was observed, with a higher prevalence in short-course regimens and with ciprofloxacin. Azithromycin showed the highest adherence to prescriptions (73.1%). These findings reveal a tension between technological accessibility and pharmacotherapeutic safety. It is concluded that e-commerce for antibiotics requires stricter regulation, integrating electronic prescribing systems and automated verification to ensure the rational use of medicines and reduce the risks of drug resistance.References
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