Iceland Above Nordic Average for Opioid and Antibiotic Use

2026-02-04 - 09:09

Newly published health data show Iceland dispenses significantly more strong prescription painkillers than other Nordic countries, alongside higher-than-average antibiotic use. Figures released by the Directorate of Health indicate that in 2024, opioid medicines classified as strong painkillers totalled 32.5 defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 adults per day. What's the Story? Data, released by the Directorate of Health for 2024, shows 32.5 defined daily doses of strong opioids per 1,000 adults per day in Iceland; Nordic average 17.0 Higher use linked in report to Parkodin and long-term benzodiazepine prescribing among people aged 65+ 92.8 per 100,000 residents aged 65+ recorded as long-term benzodiazepine users in 2024 24.3 defined daily doses of antibiotics per 1,000 inhabitants per day in Iceland; Nordic average 14.6 The National University Hospital (Landspítali). Photo: Facebook. Health Data Report As reported by mbl.is, the comparable Nordic average stood at 17.0 DDD. According to the authority’s latest bulletin, the gap is largely linked to the wider use of the painkiller Parkodin in Iceland. The data also show more long-term prescribing of benzodiazepines (a group of sedatives and anti-anxiety medications) among older people. In 2024, 92.8 per 100,000 residents aged 65 and over were recorded as long-term users, an increase on the previous year. Antibiotic dispensing was also higher than elsewhere in the region. Iceland recorded 24.3 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day in 2024, compared with a Nordic average of 14.6. The World Health Organisation has identified antibiotic resistance as a major global health risk, noting a clear association between resistance and overall levels of antibiotic use.