Awareness of Antibiotics and Analgesics Use In Marmara University Hospital

Background and aim: Inappropriate use of antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics may lead to adverse side effects. This survey aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of patients regarding the dental use of antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics.
Material and methods: The questionnaire which contained 20 questions was prepared based on similar surveys. The survey with a validated self-administered questionnaire carried out among patients administered to the Department of Endodontics of Marmara University. The questionnaires were given from and retrieved by the same operator. Patients' identities remained anonymous. The questionnaire included questions about accessibility, attitude toward usage, efficacy, side effects, resistance, and usage for dental issues.
Results: Of all questionnaires distributed, 92.5% were deemed usable. The most frequently used self-medication was non-narcotic analgesics (33%), followed by antibiotics (15%). Of the respondents, 82% reported they knew about the correct time of antibiotic use; however, only 67% of them followed that. Most of the respondents (52%) reported quitting the antibiotic use when they believed they were better. The most frequent reasons for antibiotic use were to relieve dental pain (35%), and after root canal treatment (38%). In case of swelling, 31% reported they should take a course of antibiotics before a dental visit.
Conclusion: This survey revealed the misuse of antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics associated with many misconceptions and inadequate knowledge. Also, the necessity of antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics to treat dental disease and after dental procedures were unclear for the respondents.