Quantifying Antimicrobial Disposals at Six Community Pharmacies With Longitudinal Medication Disposal Programs: An Underappreciated Component of a One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Stewardship - Summary - MDSpire
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Assessing the Disposal of Antimicrobials at Six Community Pharmacies Through Ongoing Medication Take-Back Initiatives: A Critical Element of a One Health Strategy for Antimicrobial Stewardship
To educate community members about responsible medication disposal and to quantify unused, unwanted, and expired (UUE) medications returned to community pharmacies.
Key Findings:
144,084 UUE prescription medication tablets/capsules disposed of, totaling approximately 19.3 kg of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), highlighting the need for effective disposal strategies.
Antimicrobials accounted for 2.6% of all disposed tablets/capsules and nearly 1.3 kg (6.6%) of APIs, underscoring their environmental impact.
Most disposed antibiotics included doxycycline, amoxicillin, clindamycin, cephalexin, and ciprofloxacin, which are critical in the context of antimicrobial resistance.
Interpretation:
The disposal of UUE antimicrobials is a critical component of a One Health approach to antimicrobial stewardship, potentially influencing antimicrobial resistance in the environment and public health.
Limitations:
Geographically limited study in central North Carolina may not represent broader trends, and low uptake of medication disposal programs among pharmacies in the region may skew results.
Conclusion:
Recognizing and expanding antimicrobial disposal efforts is essential for mitigating environmental contamination and addressing antimicrobial resistance, ultimately protecting public health.
by Elizabeth Hoskins, Elizabeth M Bickenbach, Margaret Buchanan, Steve Detter, Michael Ferguson, Ahunna Freeman, Ryan Hoskins, Aaron Johnston, Robbin Lee, Brian Marks, Brittany R Weger, Courtney L Bradley, Jordan R Smith, Travis J Carlson
