Dispensing behaviour in relation to opioid-containing antitussives: a survey among community pharmacists

Background

Opioid-containing antitussives are used to symptomatically treat dry coughs but are also consumed recreationally as euphoriant drugs, especially by teenagers and young adults. To curb misuse, in 2019 opioid-containing antitussives in Switzerland were relisted from over-the-counter to requiring a physician’s prescription or direct dispensing by a pharmacist. AIM: This study aimed to elucidate how this regulatory change impacted the dispensing behaviour of practicing community pharmacists in Switzerland in relation to opioid-containing antitussives.