Using antibiotics without a prescription is a common practice in the U.S., according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
For the study, researchers reviewed 31 studies published between 2000 and 2019 to assess the prevalence of nonprescription antibiotic use in the U.S.
Three study findings:
1. Nonprescription antibiotic use ranged from 1 percent to 66 percent based on population characteristics. Storage of antibiotics for future use also varied from 14 percent to 48 percent.
2. One study found 25 percent of patients at primary care clinics intended to use antibiotics without a prescription, according to Consumer Reports.
3. Individuals reported obtaining antibiotics from various sources, including past prescriptions, local stores, and family or friends.