The trend is visible across all age groups. Overall, prescription antibiotic sales decreased by six percent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
During the pandemic years, sales increased, and the current downward figures are positive news, according to the agency.
"Because all antibiotic use drives the development of resistance, it is important that antibiotics are only used where they are truly beneficial," says Ragda Obeid, investigator at the Swedish Public Health Agency, in a press release.
In 2024, the number of antibiotic prescriptions per thousand inhabitants was 271, while the figure dropped to 256 last year.
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