Criteria for the selection of switch OTC drugs based on patient benefits, efficacy, and safety [II]: Comparing the physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties of brand-name and switch OTC terbinafine hydrochloride cream

Abstract

The physicochemical properties (pH, yield value, and squeeze force) of a drug for dermatomycosis, a terbinafine hydrochloride-containing cream (a brand-name product), and 12 over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) were measured and compared to ascertain the characteristics of each product. The pH of the brand-name product, Lamisil, was 4.1, and that of the OTC products ranged from 4.2 to 7.6; Lamisil Plus (7.6) had a significantly higher pH. Moreover, the yield value for Lamisil, as an index of cream ductility, was 128 dyn/cm, and that for the OTC products ranged from 110 to 887 dyn/cm. In particular, the OTC products Damalin (887 dyn/cm), Barriact (512 dyn/cm), and Exiv Deep (663 dyn/cm) had a significantly higher yield value. In addition, the squeeze force was measured by attaching a HapLog to the thumb and second finger. The squeeze force for Lamisil was 12.9 N, and that for the OTC products ranged from 1.8 to 14.6 N. The OTC product Bilumon (1.8 N) had a significantly lower squeeze force. These results indicated that there were marked differences in the pharmaceutical properties of brand-name and OTC products. External preparations are characterized by their feel during use. Based on the current results, the pharmaceutical characteristics of drugs resulted in differences in their feel during use, suggesting that products appropriate for individual patients can be recommended.

Self-medication in Chinese residents and the related factors of whether or not they would take suggestions from medical staff as an important consideration during self-medication

“…Antipyretic analgesics and vitamins/minerals were the top two OTC drugs that had been purchased and utilized. Of the respondents, 58.57% had purchased and used antipyretics (5,421). The number for vitamins/minerals was 4,851, comprising 52.41%.…”

“…Globally, the authorities of different countries have taken diverse measures to regulate citizens' behavior of selfmedication. Specifically, in 2017, the Japanese government introduced a policy on OCT drug use, demonstrating that if a resident purchases a "switched OTC drug" (i.e., an OTC drug converted from a prescription drug), the payment for the drug can be reduced or exempted under the self-use levy system (5).…”

“…Globally, the authorities of different countries have taken diverse measures to regulate citizens' behavior of self-medication. Specifically, in 2017, the Japanese government introduced a policy on OCT drug use, demonstrating that if a resident purchases a “switched OTC drug” (i.e., an OTC drug converted from a prescription drug), the payment for the drug can be reduced or exempted under the self-use levy system ( 5 ). In America, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established an expanded task force on the regulation of OTC safe use and a national regulatory agency website to ensure the quality of OTC medicines ( 3 ).…”