OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINE ABUSE
Dr. Rama Rao Tadikonda*, Sravya K. and Hasan Baig
ABSTRACT
Self medication is one of the essential components of any health care systems. OTC medicines are increasingly used for self medication, but such products may increase the abuse potential in patients. Pharmacists being first line of contact for patients, have the opportunity to educate and counsel patient on appropriate OTC medication use. The main aim of this article is to provide a brief review on OTC medications with abuse potential and also further it provides the factors, reasons for OTC abuse and harms related to OTC medication abuse. This article also provides importance of patient and pharmacist interaction. This review gives knowledge on the barriers faced by pharmacists in OTC medication abuse. The current health system should work more effectively to provide a striking balance between the purchase of OTC medication and their abuse.
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