Knowledge and Understanding of Non-Prescription (Otc) Drugs

Abstract

Introduction: Over the counter (OTC) or non-prescription drugs sold directly to a consumer without the doctor's prescription. As compared to prescription drugs, which requires a medical prescription to be dispensed. So, over the counter (OTC) drugs are mainly used for self-medication because such medicines are easily accessible at pharmacies without the doctor's prescription. In India till date, there are no specic unifying regulations related to use and sale of OTC products and this impacts both the accessibility to better health care and patients' safety due to inappropriate use. The aim behind this study is to assess the knowledge and understanding regarding Non- prescription (OTC) drugs. Material & methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among undergraduates and postgraduate medical students, medical ofcer, specialist, super-specialist nursing students, staff nurse to assess the Knowledge and Understanding of Non-prescription (OTC) drugs. In present study data was collected by Google form over a period of 3 months. 212 responses were received and entered into Microsoft ofce excel & statistical analysis was done. 212 responses were evaluated, Male: Fe Result male ration was120:92. Out of 212 responses, 74 (34.9%) Undergraduate medical students, 44 (20.8%) Postgraduate medical students, 31 (14.6%) Medical ofcer, 21 (9.9%) Specialist, 6 (2.8%) Nursing students, 36 (17%) Staff nurses gave response in this study. Most respondents (n=144, 67.9%) believed that 'OTC/Non-prescription drug' mentioned in Drug and Cosmetics Act. (104, 49.1%) respondents believed that in India OTC/Non-prescription drugs are included in a separate category of drugs and have established regulations for their use. Signicant gaps were noticed in the responses from the respondents with regards to the knowledge about OTC drugs in India. Conclusion General awareness and knowledge of OTC is very good but few are aware about rules with regard to OTC/Non-Prescription and “Household remedies” under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. In India, there is a committee for OTC/Nonprescription drugs and regulations are still being framed.