Wide Cost Variations Observed in Antibiotics and Analgesics Prescribed for Dental Care in India: A Price and Affordability Analysis

Introduction With high prevalence rates across the population, dental pain is the most common symptom that drives a patient to visit the dentist. Dentists prescribe analgesics and antibiotic prophylaxis apart from routine dental treatments. The increasing costs of medications are a major factor that adds to the financial burden of patients seeking oral care. Methods A list of antibiotics and analgesics recommended by the American Dental Association for dental pain, swelling, and post-procedural pain management was analyzed for the cost variation and cost ratio. The affordability was calculated by the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO-HAI) methodology. The most expensive and the least expensive brands of all drug regimens were compared. Results Wide cost variations were observed between the different brands of antibiotics and analgesics. The highest cost variation was found in ampicillin 500 mg injection (13579.2%). In the affordability analysis; when the most expensive brands were analyzed, the lowest-paid unskilled worker had to lose 2.1 days of wages to afford the drug regimen. The price range was widest for injection ampicillin 500 mg (Rs. 4.24-580.0) and lowest for tablet ibuprofen 400 mg (Rs. 0.7-1.6). Conclusion Dental surgeons need to be well aware of the pharmacoeconomics behind medications that directly decides the affordability of treatments. Careful selection of drugs by the dentists considering their quality, availability, and costs is of pivotal importance. Prescribing generic medications and increasing the availability of drugs in public health sectors can help provide cost-effective dental care for all.