Most antibiotics are classified under sections 5.1, 11.3.1 and 13.10.1 of the British National Formulary. Information on antibiotics dispensed in the community in England is provided in the table on this basis.
Prescription items (thousand) Net ingredient cost (£000) 1997 51,686.3 185,393.2 1998 47,655.0 176,280.7 1999 43,548.9 190,385.6 2000 41,728.2 185,233.6 2001 42,840.2 176,460.3 2002 41,678.3 177,952.9 2003 42,446.0 182,721.9 2004 41,335.5 184,715.0 2005 41,916.8 174,949.3 2006 41,639.1 184,941.5 Source: Prescription Cost Analysis system
The national health service also makes considerable use of antibiotics (systemic antibacterials) in hospitals. The estimated cost for the years available is shown in the table.
Estimated cost (£000) 2001 186,592.7 2002 203,664.8 2003 221,229.1 2004 236,305.6 2005 228,304.0 Source:IMS HEALTH: Hospital Pharmacy Audit