Objectives

This study aimed to explore the situation of chemical drugs used for patients with respiratory disease at community pharmacies in China.

Methods

Using the data from the China Health Industry Intelligence System Database from 2014 to 2017, which collected data from community pharmacies (n = 11,450) in 185 cities over China. Comprehensive analysis of the utilization of chemical drugs in respiratory disease in community pharmacies from the perspectives of market share, indications, and prescription.

Results

The sales of chemical drugs in the community pharmacies raised from 11.4 billion yuan in 2014 to 13.9 billion yuan in 2017 with the compound annual growth rate is 6.58%. The market share of prescription drugs increased from 24.99% in 2014 to 32.20% in 2017.The market concentration rate of chemical drugs is gradually decreasing, which the concentration of TOP10 reduced from 51.53% in 2014 to 47.64% in 2017. The nature of prescriptions and indication of the Top 10 chemical drugs in 2017 were: (1)Pediatric paracetamol, atificial cow-bezoar and chlorphenamine maleate granules(OTC, cold); (2)Compound paracetamol capsule(OTC, cold); (3) Compound paracetamol tablets(OTC, cold); (4)Pediatric paracetamol granules(OTC, cold); (5)Loratadine tablets(OTC, allergic rhinitis); (6)Salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate powder for inhalation(prescription ,asthma); (7)Montelukast sodium chewable tablets(prescription, asthma); (8) Ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution(prescription, bronchitis); (9)Ibuprofen suspension(OTC, cold), (10)Budesonide formoterol powder inhalation(prescription, asthma).

Conclusions

At community pharmacies in China, the chemical drugs for patients with respiratory disease, especially the OTC, are mainly used to treat colds, and the prescription drugs for asthma treatment increase rapidly. More interventions are needed to enhance drug therapy management of respiratory disease.