Pharmacists have expressed concern that one of the most commonly used antibiotics in Ireland is in short supply.

Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat a number of infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections and urinary tract infections.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), which represents community pharmacists, it is very concerned about an impending shortage of Augmentin and its generic equivalent.

It said that once current stocks run out, no further supplies will be available to the Irish market until late next year. Current stocks are only expected to last a few more months.

"The IPU is very concerned at the likely adverse effect of the shortage of Augmentin on Irish patients, especially since the shortage will occur during a time of year when patient requirement for this medicine is at its highest. There is also a significant risk that we will not have sufficient stocks of therapeutic alternatives," commented IPU secretary general, Darragh O'Loughlin.

He said that this situation raises the likelihood that patients will either have to go without essential treatment, which could lead to a worsening of their illnesses, or they will be prescribed inappropriate antibiotics.

"This will undoubtedly increase the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, worsening treatment outcomes for future generations of patients," he explained.

Mr O'Loughlin called on the Department of Health to put plans in place to deal with this issue, and to communicate those plans to pharmacists ‘before patients begin to suffer as a result of this impending shortage'.