ABSTRACT

Background: OTC medicines refers to medicines can be sold without a prescription. The prescribing pattern of essential medicines save the lives and enhance the health of the individuals and prevent the critical situation of health care demands. Aim: A study aimed to assess dispensing pattern of over the counter drugs in community pharmacy practice. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in community pharmacies of Mysore city. Karnataka. The study was conducted from January 2020 to July 2020. A sample size of 170 participants was enrolled in the study. The collected data was analyzed and expressed in percentages. Results and Discussion: In our study 25-35 age customers were more 125 (73.52%) as compared to other ages. The male customers were more 143 (84.11%) as compared to female customers 27 (15.88%). Retail pharmacies were more 122 (71.76%) as compared to other pharmacies. 3-4 OTC medications received customers were more 86 (50.58%) as compared to other customers. Antitussives and expectorants OTC prescriptions were more 34 (20%) as compared to other OTC medications. Conclusion: The study concludes that the prevalence of over the counter medication practice is very high in India. There is a need for strict drug guidelines and upholding dispensary regulations and enforcement of standard prescription-based dispensaries can helpful for reduction of OTC practice in community settings. Keywords: OTC medications, health care demands, community pharmacy practice, prescription
Publication date: 01/03/2022

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2022/March/MS_IJBPAS_2022_6246.pdf

Download PDF
https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2022/11.3.6246