A qualitative assessment of community pharmacists views about the non-prescription sale of citalopram for the management of premature ejaculation in eastern region, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia

Objectives This study assessed the community pharmacist views about the nonprescription request for citalopram by male customers seeking assistance for premature ejaculation. Methods This was a qualitative study conducted in summer June 2012 until August 2012, in community pharmacy setting eastern province, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A structured interview guide was used and study sample was drawn from the community pharmacist practicing in the region. The entire interview was recorded and was transcribed by the researcher in to themes. Key findings Overall, it is found that non-prescription sale over the counters is a frequent practice. Patients requesting citalopram for premature ejaculation are mainly within the age group of 25-50 years. Lidocaine spray was reported to be another medication given either alone or in combination with citalopram for same purpose. Conclusion These findings may be worrying for the drug regulatory authorities and might reflect a failure in implementing the safe use of medicines in the community. Citalopram is a prescribed medication and conditions such as premature ejaculation need to be examined by qualified personnel for appropriate treatment, rather than seeking pharmacist assistance to resolve the abnormality.