Take Home Message for Policy Makers: Study on Over-The-Counter Drugs among Puducherry Population
Creators
- 1. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry
- 2. Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Thiruvarur Medical College, Thiruvarur
- 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry
- 4. Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, JIPMER, Karaikal
Description
The inappropriate use of non-prescription drugs (NPD), particularly over-the-counter (OTC) medications, poses a significant global health challenge. This cross-sectional study conducted in Puducherry, India, aimed to assess the prevalence of OTC drug use and its adverse effects. The study involved 462 participants, mainly from the 20-40 age group, with a majority having graduate degrees. Private employees were found to use OTC drugs more frequently. Surprisingly, even with medical professionals participating, OTC medications were not replaced by prescribed alternatives. Many participants visited pharmacies without a prescription, relying on expired prescriptions or describing symptoms to pharmacists. Fever was a common symptom leading to OTC purchases, often for chronic conditions requiring proper medical attention. The study identified 26 oral drug groups, 3 topical drugs, and 15 injections purchased as OTC, with some life-saving drugs obtained without prescriptions. Adverse effects were reported by a small percentage of participants, mainly mild hypersensitivity reactions, gastritis, and diarrhea. The findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness about the potential risks associated with OTC drug misuse. While OTC medications offer convenience, affordability, and self-management, their misuse can lead to adverse outcomes, warranting a focus on regulatory measures within pharmacy practices.
Abstract (English)
The inappropriate use of non-prescription drugs (NPD), particularly over-the-counter (OTC) medications, poses a significant global health challenge. This cross-sectional study conducted in Puducherry, India, aimed to assess the prevalence of OTC drug use and its adverse effects. The study involved 462 participants, mainly from the 20-40 age group, with a majority having graduate degrees. Private employees were found to use OTC drugs more frequently. Surprisingly, even with medical professionals participating, OTC medications were not replaced by prescribed alternatives. Many participants visited pharmacies without a prescription, relying on expired prescriptions or describing symptoms to pharmacists. Fever was a common symptom leading to OTC purchases, often for chronic conditions requiring proper medical attention. The study identified 26 oral drug groups, 3 topical drugs, and 15 injections purchased as OTC, with some life-saving drugs obtained without prescriptions. Adverse effects were reported by a small percentage of participants, mainly mild hypersensitivity reactions, gastritis, and diarrhea. The findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness about the potential risks associated with OTC drug misuse. While OTC medications offer convenience, affordability, and self-management, their misuse can lead to adverse outcomes, warranting a focus on regulatory measures within pharmacy practices.
Files
IJPCR,Vol16,Issue1,Article27.pdf
Files
(518.8 kB)
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Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2023-12-26
Software
- Repository URL
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/16/IJPCR,Vol16,Issue1,Article27.pdf
- Development Status
- Active
References
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