OTC Drugs

Rational use of Over the counter
medication
Introduction
OTC MEDICINES: Over the Counter (OTC) medicines are drugs that can be sold
without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
The medicines which do no fall under the category of schedule H, H1, and X can be
given without prescription through pharmacists and drugstores in India.
It is also called prescription de controlled drugs.
These have little significant pharmacological activity and therefore the physician
need not to be very much concerned about their use by patients themselves.
It is used primarily for symptomatic relief and not as substitutes for prescription
drugs.
• In the united states, the Food and Drug Administration decides
whether a medicine is safe and effective enough to sell over-the-
counter.
• Before taking any OTC drug make sure to follow the instructions
on the drug label.
• According to the study by Phalke et al it was reported that 52% of
Indians were estimated to self medicate in India according to web
portal based survey.
• OTC medicines allow greater access to treatment of people at
large at lower cost for minor or self- limiting illnesses.
Brief history
• In 1906, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) was established.
• Before this most drugs were available without prescription.
• Alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and opium were included in some
OTC products without notification to the users
• In 1938, congress passed the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
(FDC) Act which allowed the manufacturer to determine whether
a drug was to be labeled prescription or non prescription.
• From this point on, drugs were classified as prescription or OTC
drugs.
• The FD&C act was passed in 1962 stating that OTC drugs were
required to be both safe and effective.
Significance of Over the
Counter drugs`
1. Accessibility
2. Self care
3. Cost effective
4. Time saving
5. Immediate relief
6. Less side effect
Types of OTC medications
• Analgesics
• Antibiotics
• Cough suppressants
• Anti acne dugs
• NSAIDS
• Antiseptics
• Antifungals
• Anti histamines
TOPICAL ANTIBACTERIAL/ANTIFUNAL OTC DRUGS PAIN RELIEVER OTC DRUGS
• Bacitracin topical ointment • OTC acetaminophen tablets, capsules,
• Clotrimazole (vaginal use) Mycelex • suppositories, liquids, drops Tylenol
• Clotrimazole (topical use) Lotrimin • Aspirin 325 mg Ecotrin
• Miconazole 2% ointment • Ibuprofen Motrin
• Miconazole vaginal suppositories, cream • Naproxen Aleve
• Triple antibiotic cream Neosporin
• OTC VITAMINS
• calciferol, ergocalciferol drops Drisdol
SMOKING CESSATION OTC DRUGS • calcium carbonate,
• OTC nicotine patch Nicoderm • calcium carbonate
• caltrate
ANTIDIARRHEAL DRUGS • calcium citrate Citracal
• OTC loperamide Imodium • ferrous fumerate
• ferrous gluconate
OTC DRUGS FOR DIABETES • ferrous sulfate Iron
• OTC glucose chewable tablets • magnesium oxide
• multivitamins (generic, adult
• multivitamins)
ANTIHISTAMINES
• cetirizine OTC tablets, cetirizine-D OTC tablets,
cetirizine solution Zyrtec cetirizine
• diphenhydramine Benadryl
loratadine, loratadine-D Claritin, Claritin
ANTITUSSIVE AND EXPECTORANT DRUGS

• OTC CHERATUSSIN AC
• OTC MUCINEX, DM
• OTC tussin DM Robitussin DM
OTHER DRUGS FOR COUGH/COLD ALERGY

• OTC nasal spray Afrin
• OTC pseudoephedrine (all generic dosage
forms covered) Sudafed
Fig:1 OTC drug preference of the Respondents and
reason for OTC drug preference
What is rational use of drug?
• Rational use of drugs is at the core of pharmaceutical best
practice. Rational use of medicines refers to the correct, proper
and appropriate use of medicines.
• Rational use requires that patients receive the appropriate
medicine, in the proper dose, for an adequate period of time and
at the lowest cost.
• In addition to this Use of an appropriate, efficacious, safe and cost
effective drug given for the right indication in the right dose and
formulation, at right intervals and for the right duration of time.
To practice the rational use of drugs, consider the following guidelines:
• Professional Advice: Consult a healthcare professional before self-
diagnosing or using any medication. They can provide tailored advice
based on your health condition, history, and potential interactions with
other medications.
• Follow Dosage Instructions: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage
recommended by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the
medication packaging. Avoid self-adjusting doses without professional
guidance.
• Understand Indications: Use medications only for the specific condition
they are intended to treat. Avoid using drugs for purposes not approved
by healthcare professionals.
.
• Be Aware of Side Effects: Familiarize yourself with potential side effects of
the medication. If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your
healthcare provider promptly.
• Consider Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all
medications, including OTC drugs and supplements, to avoid potential
interactions. Some combinations can lead to adverse effects
• Avoid Self-Diagnosis: Refrain from self-diagnosing and self-prescribing. Seek
professional advice to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Monitor Effectiveness: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the medication.
If there is no improvement or if symptoms worsen, consult your healthcare
provider for reassessment.
• Report Adverse Reactions: If you experience unexpected side effects or
adverse reactions, report them to your healthcare provider. This information
helps in refining treatment plans and ensuring patient safety.
• Storage and Disposal: Store medications according to the instructions
provided, and dispose of expired or unused medications properly. Follow
local guidelines for safe disposal.
By adhering to these principles, individuals can use medications in a rational
and responsible manner, optimizing their benefits while minimizing potential
risks and complications.
Irrationality
Incorrect use of medicine occurs in all countries, causing harm to people and
wasting resources. Consequences include:
Adverse Health Effects: Incorrect self-diagnosis and improper medication
choices may lead to ineffective treatment or exacerbation of symptoms, causing
harm to health.
Delayed Proper Diagnosis: Relying on OTC drugs without seeking professional
advice may delay the identification and treatment of underlying medical
conditions.
• Medication Interactions: Mixing OTC drugs with prescription medications or
other OTC drugs without awareness can result in harmful interactions and
adverse effects.
• Drug Resistance: Inappropriately using antibiotics or other medications can
contribute to the development of drug resistance, making future treatments
less effective.
• Financial Waste: Ineffective or unnecessary OTC drug use can lead to
unnecessary expenses, as individuals may spend money on medications that
do not address their health concerns.
• Overuse and Dependence: Continued reliance on OTC medications without
professional guidance may lead to overuse and dependence, impacting
overall well-being.
Factor contribute to incorrect
use of medicines
• Lack of skills and knowledge
• Inappropriate unethical promotion of medicines by pharmaceutical companies
• Profit from selling medicine
• Unrestricted availability of medicines
• Overworked health personnel
• Unaffordable medicines
What can be done to improve
rational use of medicines?
WHO advices countries to implement national programs to promote rational use of
medicines through policies, structures, information and education. These includes:
• A national body to coordinate policies on medicine use and monitor their impact.
• Evidence based clinical guidelines for supervision and supporting decisions
making about medicines.
• List of essential medicines use for medicine procurement and insurance
reimbursement.
Rules for proper OTC drug use
• Always know what you are taking.
• Know the effects.
• Read and heed the warnings and cautions.
• Don’t use anything for more than 1 to 2 wks.
• Be particularly cautious if also taking prescription drugs.
• If you have questions, ask a pharmacist. If you don’t need it,
don’t use it!
References
• S.V. Chordiya, Role of pharmacist in rational drug therapy. J Surg Allied
sci 2019;1(1):5-7
• Marathe, P. A., Kamat, S. K., Tripathi, R. K., Raut, S. B., &
Khatri, N. P. (2020). Over-the-counter medicines: Global
perspective and Indian scenario. Journal of postgraduate
medicine, 66(1), 28–34.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_381_19
• Manohar, H. D., & Manohar, H. L. (2015). Impact of knowledge
and attitude on practices of over the counter medications. IEOM
Soc, 775, 783.
• https://www.aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois/assets/pdf/
pharmacy/otc-il.pdf
Thank you

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Rational use of Over the counter

ANTITUSSIVE AND EXPECTORANT DRUGS

OTHER DRUGS FOR COUGH/COLD ALERGY

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