A Survey to Study the Use of Over-the-Counter Drugs Among Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Non-prescriptive drugs, commonly known as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs, are medications purchased without a doctor's prescription. The prevalence of OTC drug use is increasing globally, driven by factors such as rising socioeconomic status, increased literacy rates, and easy access to information. Responsible self-medication necessitates ensuring drug quality and comprehensive information about administration, dosage, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), and interactions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, types, misuse, and adverse effects of OTC drug use among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune, India, from October 2022 to November 2022. Medical students from the first year to interns were included in the study. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was collected from participants. A questionnaire with multiple-choice questions was distributed to assess OTC drug use patterns and ADR. Data from 379 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 379 participants (57% female, 43% male; age range 18-27 y), 98% reported self-medication. The most commonly used OTC drugs were cough syrups (87%), antibiotics (77%), analgesics (71%), cold medicine (63%), motion sickness medication (49%), sleeping pills (32%), sedatives (19%), and others (1%). Misuse patterns revealed that 43% used OTC drugs once a day, 50% used them twice a day, and 6% used them thrice a day, and 1% used those more than three times a day. ADR included dry mouth (73%), hypersensitivity (69%), diarrhea (64%), anxiety (61%), increased heart rate (41%), blackout (37%), breathing issues (33%), and others (1%). Main reasons for OTC drug use were easy availability (100%), cheaper prices (92%), time savings (100%), and avoiding consultation fees (100%). Conclusion: Addressing improper use of OTC drugs is vital for preventing adverse effects drug resistance and ensuring proper healthcare practices. The distinction between 'misuse' and 'abuse' of OTC drugs should be recognized and addressed to promote responsible self-medication practices among medical students and the broader population.