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OBJECTIVE To investigate the current usage status of OTC drug among residents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region， and to provide evidence for the science popularization of rational drug use. METHODS By approximate random sampling， the questionnaire survey was conducted with the mini-apps Questionnaire Star among the residents aged 19 and above from 7 league or cities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region， in order to investigate the current situation of OTC drug use in the region. RESULTS A total of 611 people filled in the questionnaire， and 571 people filled in the questionnaire effectively， with an effective filling rate of 93.45%. According to the results， 18.7% of residents said they did not understand the concept of OTC drugs， 36.1% of residents said they did not know the OTC drug label， and 65.3% of residents did not know the difference between class A and B OTC drugs in terms of OTC drug awareness. And there were statistically significant differences in the scores of OTC drug awareness among different genders， education levels， monthly income and places of residence （P＜0.05）. When choosing OTC drugs， 23.5% of residents still believed in advertisements or friends’ recommendations； 14.5% of the residents did not read the drug instructions carefully before taking drugs. In terms of drug risk， 5.1% of residents had long-term use of OTC drugs； 8.6% of residents reported taking three or more OTC drugs； 2.1% of residents often added other drugs with the same effect or increased the dosage by themselves. They took traditional Chinese medicine， Mongolian medicine and other preparations while taking OTC drugs， accounting for 19.6%， 22.6% and 13.0% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Residents in Inner Mongolia have low awareness of OTC drugs， and their habits of drug use need to be improved. Repeated drug use and overdose drug use are serious， it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and popularization of rational use of OTC drugs.
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The prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hereinafter “hay fever”) is increasing annually. While self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is growing, some hay fever patients also use OTC drugs alongside medical visits. Issues arising from co-administration, such as excessive dosing and reduced quality of life (QOL) due to drowsiness, have been highlighted. However, no research has investigated the factors contributing to the concomitant use of prescribed and OTC drugs. Therefore, this study examined the following three patient groups: those using only prescribed drugs, those using only OTC drugs, and those using a combination of both. Initial analyses compared adherence, overuse extent, QOL (as measured by the Japanese Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [JRQLQ]), treatment satisfaction, lifestyle habits, and health literacy (as measured by the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scale [CCHL]) among the groups. Subsequently, a multinomial logistic regression analysis focusing on combination users identified factors associated with co-administration. The results revealed that combination users exhibited lifestyle issues and lower QOL compared to those using prescribed or OTC drugs only, although differences in CCHL were not significant. Furthermore, co-administration was linked to social life-related JRQLQ and excessive usage during symptom onset. In conclusion, patients with hay fever should avoid the concurrent use of prescribed and OTC drugs. Co-administration may not necessarily improve symptoms and might even lead to overuse risks. Thus, patients should be guided to consult medical professionals before purchasing OTC drugs, and lifestyle improvements should be emphasized as well.
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Objective: Sennosides A and B, which are dianthrone glycosides contained in Rhubarb and Senna Leaf, exhibit laxative effect. Although a number of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used as laxatives contain Rhubarb or Rhubarb and Senna Leaf, the total amounts of sennosides A and B are not mentioned in the package insert. To determine the total amounts of sennosides A and B in OTC drugs containing Rhubarb or Rhubarb and Senna Leaf, quantitative analyses of sennosides A and B were performed for 24 OTC drugs.Methods: Sennosides A and B were extracted from 24 OTC drugs and quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses were carried out by a one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test or Tukey's test.Results: The OTC drugs contained sennosides A and B in the range of 1.5-10 mg in the minimum daily dosage and in the range of 2.7-17 mg in the maximum daily dosage. In 11 of the OTC drugs (Products Nos. 1-5, 11, 12, and 15-18), the maximum daily dosage contained almost equal or higher amounts of sennosides A and B compared to that in a tablet of the prescription medicine Pursennid® 12 mg. Furthermore, the amounts of sennosides A and B in the maximum daily dosage were significantly higher in products Nos. 1 and 11 and lower in products Nos. 8-10, 14, and 20-24 compared to those of a tablet of Pursennid® 12 mg.Conclusion: Although some OTC drugs have the same Rhubarb content, the total amounts of sennosides A and B can vary. Thus,there is no correlation between the Rhubarb content and total amounts of sennosides A and B. This is because of the inconsistent quality of Rhubarb and/or the differences in the manufacturing methods of the OTC drugs containing Rhubarb. Because the total amounts of sennosides A and B cannot be estimated based on the Rhubarb content, a constipated patient should start taking an OTC drug containing Rhubarb at the minimum daily dosage. It is also recommended that the total amounts of sennosides A and B are mentioned in the package insert of OTC drugs containing Rhubarb or Rhubarb and Senna Leaf.
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The importance of promoting self-medication is increasing, and the active participation of pharmacies is required to support this. We developed a training program based on the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction (ARCS) model, which is a motivational design process to train pharmacists who support the proper use of OTC drugs, and for insurance pharmacists who usually perform dispensing work. In the six months of training, we conducted six sessions for insurance pharmacists on the subject of colds and constipation. In addition to conducting lectures and exercises on OTC drugs, we provided pharmacists with an opportunity to practice the training content during their daily work, and discuss solutions to the problems that they encountered. Of the eight participants who attended all workshops and were part of the final evaluation, seven provided OTC drugs after considering whether it was necessary to provide them. A total of six advised patients who came to the pharmacy to have their prescription medications dispensed that there were OTC medications that they should be careful about taking. These results suggest the usefulness of this training program based on the ARCS motivational design model.
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OBJECTIVE To learn from the self-medication tax system in Japan and improve over-the-counter drug cost sharing mechanism in China. METHODS By searching relevant policies and literature ，the evolution ，specific contents ，current situation and effects of Japanese self-medication tax system were summarized. Recommendations were put forward in the light of the actual situation of over-the-counter drug guarantee in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Japan has implemented the self-medication tax system since 2017. The Ministry of Health ， Labour and Welfare has made clear provisions on the preconditions for applying for the tax system and the deduction standards of the tax system ，and established a list of drugs to be responsible for the regular inclusion and discharge of the drugs under the tax system. The self- medication tax system has a remarkable effect in promoting the self-health management ，disease prevention and reducing medical expenses of Japanese residents. Our country can learn from the self-medication tax system in Japan and the experience of implementing the special deduction system for major medical conditions in China. To promote rational self-medication ，it is advisable to add a special deduction system for over-the-counter drugs into deductions in personal income tax and formulate the criteria and scope of application ，and establish a special list of over-the-counter drugs，thereby reducing the heavy burden of medical expenses of residents ，and exploring a new way to share the costs of over-the-counter drugs which is applicable to our national conditions.
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OBJECTIVE：To standardize the use of children’s over-the-counter（OTC）drugs in China，control the risk of children’s self medication and ensure the safety of children’s medication. METHODS：The questionnaire was randomly distributed to pharmacy practitioners in retail pharmacies in 13/parents in 16 provinces and municipalities directly under the central government. The results of questionnaire survey were analyzed descriptively. The corresponding suggestions were put forward for the problems existing in the use of OTC drugs for children among pharmacy practitioners in retail pharmacies and parents.RESULTS：Totally 5 367 people filled the questionnaire at pharmacies，and 5 353 questionnaires were filled validly with effective rate of 99.74％；the number of consumers（parents）who filled the questionnaires was 6 111，and 5 094 questionnaires were filled validly with effective rate of 83.36％. The results of survey showed that 93.67％ of retail pharmacies were equipped with 1-2licensed pharmacists；most of the employees in pharmacies had college degree（46.59％），and their professional knowledge was relatively weak，and only 30.00％ of them were very familiar with pharmaceutical professional knowledge. Pharmacy practitioners could provide basic pharmaceutical care，but they were not sensitive to the information of children’s age and weight；only 44.11％of the practitioners would approve the dosage according to the age and weight of the children；98.09％ of pharmacies would regularly conduct OTC drugs knowledge training，but they did not pay attention to the knowledge of children related to drug use. About half of the pharmacy practitioners were very clear about the indications，usage and dosage，precautions of OTC drugs forchildren. About 70％ of parents did not fully understand the difference between prescription drugs，green OTC drugs and red OTC drugs，and did not know the risk of home OTC treatment；63.06％ of parents chose OTC drugs according to their previous experience， and 23.05％ of parents relied on drug advertisements to choose OTC drugs； 92.64％ of parents would read the drug instruction carefully before using OTC drugs， but they had blind spots in understanding many contents of the drug instruction. In the process of OTC drug use，46.21％ of parents had used adult OTC drugs for their children，and 41.54％ of parents did not convert the amount of children；52.89％ of parents said that their children suffered from adverse reactions after taking OTC drugs. CONCLUSIONS：The pharmacy practitioners have low education on the whole，professional level needs to be improved，their understanding of children’s OTC drugs is not comprehensive enough，and there is a lack oftraining on children’s medication knowledge. Parents have a poor awareness of children’s OTC drugs，and there are many problems in the process of using children’s OTC drugs，such as inaccurate dosage，using adult’s drugs. It is suggested that we should improve the access standard of pharmacy practitioners and increase the number of licensed pharmacists；organize special training on safe drug use for children to improve the pharmaceutical service ability of pharmacies；strengthen the supervision of retail pharmacies and formulate pharmaceutical care standards for the use of OTC drugs for children；strengthen the publicity and education on rational drug use for children and popularize the knowledge of safe drug use of OTC drugs for children；give full play to the guiding role of pharmacists and pay attention to the medication guidance of parents.
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This study aims to examine the recognition and practice of self-medication, stockpiling of medicine, attitudes when choosing over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and provision of information services about medicine by pharmacists and registered OTC-medicine sellers. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted at an OTC promotion education event. As a result, it was the stockpiling of leftover prescription drugs and the practice of self-medication that were associated with the recognition of self-medication. Also relevant to the practice of self-medication were age, awareness of self-medication, stockpiling of leftover prescription medications, and viewing of OTC drug package inserts. This suggests that it is necessary to consider the enlightenment method and contents according to the age stage of the target for self-medication, and whether or not to read the package insert of OTC drugs should be practiced for self-medication. It was considered that it could be used as a concrete action index to show. Based on the results of the stockpile of prescription drugs left over, it is necessary to further investigate the understanding of prescription drugs by non-professionals and how to deepen their understanding. In order to disseminate and enlighten self-medication, it is necessary not only to enlighten OTC drugs but also to promote a correct understanding of prescription drugs at the same time.
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Resumen La automedicación y la autoprescripción son acciones de los pacientes; la primera como elemento del autocuidado que involucra medicamentos de venta libre y la segunda como una violación a la ley de salud, pues comprende medicamentos que solo pueden expenderse con receta. Todos los inconvenientes que se han atribuido a la automedicación en realidad lo son de la autoprescripción.
Abstract Self-medication and self-prescription are actions undertaken by patients; the former, as an element of self-care that involves over-the-counter drugs, and the latter, as a violation of the Statute of Health, since it includes drugs that can only be dispensed with a medical prescription. All the drawbacks that have been attributed to self-medication are actually associated with self-prescription.
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Humans , Self Care/methods , Self Medication , Self Administration , Prescription Drugs/administration & dosage , Attitude of Health PersonnelABSTRACT
One of the health problems which is associated during the management of a patient with series of drugs is ADR/ADE. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to find out the activities for improving the reporting of ADRs/ADEs. The data on the KAP is collected on a pre-tested questionnaire.METHODSThis is a non-interventional cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was prepared after referring the questionnaires of previous studies. Out of 120 questionnaires distributed, only 100 questionnaires were received back. Descriptive statistics is used for analysing the data.RESULTSThe response on the questionnaire is 83.3%. Seventy-nine (79) participants knew the definition of ADR/ADE. Eighty-eight (88) participants want to report the ADRs of the marketed drugs irrespective of new or old. Seventy-five (75) participants know about PvPI. Ninety (90) participants do not consider all the OTC and Herbal drugs are safe. Seventy-two (72) participants do not know the establishment of a Pharmacovigilance centre at the Department of Pharmacology, JNIMS. Only 55.6% of the participants oblige to report the ADRs as a professional health care provider. 58% of the participants opine to conduct a regular CME program on ADR/Pharmacovigilance. 63.2% participants state that maximum ADRs are seen among dermatological, paediatric and elderly patients. 58.2% of the participants express their opinion about the occurrence of ADRs/ADEs with irrational prescription, polypharmacy, foods, drinks etc. 44% participants have the attitude of reporting ADRs/ADEs but only 10% participants perform the actual reporting with careful observations on patients’ behaviour. Most of the ADRs/ADEs are avoidable if there is good communication and reporting.CONCLUSIONSA regular awareness programme on ADR/ADE along with CME program and also online reporting facilities is necessary for promotion of reporting of the ADR/ADE. Therefore, the drug should be prescribed rationally, and polypharmacy should be avoided as much as possible.
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Objective: The study focuses on assessing the incidence of menstrual irregularity among young women and the factors for a disturbance with the rationale to assess the use of analgesic drugs during Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 2500 randomly selected young female between the age of 11 and 30 y completed the study questionnaire to assess lifestyle pattern, variations in menstrual pattern, perceived stress, and to capture information about their menstrual cycle and related problems. In addition, the questionnaire assessed the use of analgesics for PMS. Results: 2481 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age of participants’ menarche was 12.85±1.432 y. The prevalence of menstrual irregularities was 25.0 % (n=621) and about 8.5% (n=211) of respondents had severe pain that was not relieved by the use of analgesics. On the other hand, 50.9 % (n=1262) reported severe pain that was relieved by analgesics. A total of 1279 (51.6 %) of participants in this study used Over The Counter (OTC) analgesics to relieve PMS. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is the most common complaint among young females in Saudi Arabia. Low Body Mass Index (BMI), sedentary lifestyle, stress and early age of menarche are the most important factors associated with menstrual irregularities. Proper education programs and awareness among young girls about their menstrual health, and the provision of guidance in choosing effective analgesics and treatment options for dysmenorrhea are highly recommended.
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OBJECTIVE：To promote rational use of OTC in the family ，and to provide reference for the formulation of related policy by health administration department. METHODS ：By stratified cluster sampling method ，using residents of 4 cities from Gansu province as objects ，face-to-face questionnaire household survey was conducted in Jan. 2019. The general information of the residents and their family self-medication behaviors were collected ，and the influential factors [tendency factors （including cognition of OTC and attitude towards self-medication ），contributing factors and strengthening factors ，and odds ratio （OR）was used to study the correlation between factors and results] of self-medication behaviors were analyzed by PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Epi Data 3.10 software was used to establish database ，and SPSS 16.0 software was adopted to analyze the family self-medication behavior of residents statistically. RESULTS ：A total of 3 600 questionnaires were sent out ，and 3 111 valid questionnaires were recovered ，with an effective recovery rate of 86.4％. 81.8％（2 541/3 106）of the respondents had self- medication behavior in the past 1 year. The results of binary Logistic regression and χ2 test showed that female residents ，irregular daily life ， no chronic disease ，low monthly family income ，new rural cooperative medical care and urban residents ’medical insurance were more inclined to self-medication. In the tendency factors ，residents who knew that OTC could be purchased in the pharmacy without the doctor ’s prescription （OR＝1.322）， Δ 基金项目 ：国家自然科学基金资助项目 （No.41405108， No.21472077） drug package with OTC logo （OR＝1.397）and the Chinese ＊讲师，硕士。研究方向：药物新制剂、新剂型、新技术。E-mail： herbal medicine also had toxic side effects （OR＝1.750），the 410843130@qq.com possibility of self-medication was greater ；the residents who # 通信作者：教授，博士。研究方向：药物活性分子的设计与合 seldom cleaned the family medicine box （OR＝0.462），quick 成。E-mail：wangshh@lzu.edu.cn and effective drugs （OR＝0.670） and ADR （OR＝0.688） 中国药房 2020年第31卷第11期 China Pharmacy 2020Vol. 31 No. 11 ·1377· were the factors that prevent the occurrence of se lf-medication behavior ，while low drug price （OR＝5.298）was the tendency factor of self-medication behavior. In the contributing factors ，the incidence of self-medication of residents with regular drugs in their home was 2.997 times higher than that those without reserves ；the convenience of self-medication （OR＝1.376），the proximity of drugstores to home （OR＝1.680），the credibility of drug quality （OR＝1.355） had a facilitating effect on the occurrence of self-medication. In the strengthening factors ，the suggestions of relatives and friends （OR＝3.388），books， newspapers and TV network advertisements （OR＝2.043）had a strengthening effect on the occurrence of self-medication. The above factors had a significant effect on the residents ’self-medication（P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：The family self-medication behavior of residents in Gansu province is common. The residents with higher cognitive level tend to self-medication ；the lower the drug price ，the more likely the self-medication behavior will occur. The factors contributing to the occurrence of self-medication are the regular drugs at home ，the proximity of drugstores to home ，and the credibility of drug quality. The suggestions of relatives and friends，online advertising and other factors are the strengthening factors of the occurrence of self-medication behavior.
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OBJECTIVE：To put forward some suggestions for the implementation of OTC monograph in China. METHODS ： Literature research was used to comprehensively review the concept ，emergence and development ，function of OTC monograph in USA；referring to experience in USA ，the necessity and feasibility of monograph system for OTC registration and evaluation in China were explored ，and some suggestions were put forward to the implementation of OTC monograph in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS：OTC monograph in USA refers to the regulatory standards that should be followed when selling OTC products not included in new drug applications. The monograph originates from the re-evaluation project of the effectiveness of OTC drugs ， which plays a special role in accelerating the drug marketing and promoting product innovation. The OTC monograph system is necessary to help to optimize the OTC registration and evaluation ，but at present ，the conditions to establish and implement OTC monograph are not yet ripe in China. Based on the optimization of resource allocation and infrastructure construction ，national OTC drug management experience ，OTC monograph can play a full part in OTC registration and evaluation ，in terms of carrying out in-depth research ，taking pilot test ，improving risk management system and enhancing drug review resource allocation ability.
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Background: In India there is wide use of over the counter (OTC) antibiotics and unawareness of its harmful effects. In India dispensing antibiotics without prescription is a major contribution factor in development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate awareness and proper use of OTC antibiotics in the community.Methods: Responses to a questionnaire covering various aspects on awareness and usage of OTC antibiotics were obtained from 100 families and 100 pharmacy shops in the community by second year MBBS students after permission from institutional ethical committee. The study period was from January 2019 to June 2019.Results: Among 100 responders 78% used OTC antibiotics for frequently reported illness like common cold (58%), body- ache (19%), fever (13%) and cough (10%). Most common reason for using OTC antibiotic is to avoid high consultation fees (64%).76% pharmacy dispense antibiotics without prescription. 60% pharmacy unaware of increase chance of developing resistance due to OTC antibiotics. 80% pharmacy maintain register book and were aware of laws and regulations of OTC prescription but still 70% dispense drugs due to fear of losing sales and profit. 50% pharmacy said they encourage patients to consult the physician and get the prescription. Most common antibiotic sold without prescription is amoxicillin (51%) and azithromycin (38%).Conclusions: We have identified unawareness among people about use and harmful effects of using OTC antibiotics. Also pharmacies are not following rules and regulations for OTC drugs. So our aim is to increase public knowledge of proper use and harmful effects of OTC antibiotics and help our global program to reduce AMR.
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Background: Drugs that are dispensed against a valid prescription issued to a patient by a registered medical practitioner are known as 損rescription-only drugs�. In India, they have been regulated under schedule H, H1, G, and X of the Drugs and Rules (1945). The drugs which are not included in the list of 損rescription-only drugs� are considered to be over-the-counter drugs (OTC). There is no provision for an OTC drug schedule in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, and these drugs have higher chances of misuse or abuse. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice among medical interns about OTC drugs in a tertiary care hospital in India.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, from March 2018 to September 2018. A pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 24 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice was administered to 80 medical interns chosen by simple randomization, out of which 14 questions were related to knowledge, 6 related to attitude and 4 related to the practice. The participants were provided 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire. The data recorded were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.Results: There were some gaps in the knowledge, attitude and practice among the medical interns about OTC medications.Conclusions: There is a need for special emphasis on the MBBS curriculum about the use of OTC drugs.
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Introduction: Self-Medication is quite a prevalent publichealth problem and widely practiced in every part of theworld, especially in developing countries like India. SelfMedication can be defined as the use of drugs to treat selfdiagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent orcontinued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrentdisease or symptom, Medical students are in a unique positionfor wide practice of self-medication. The current study aimedto estimate the prevalence and practices of self-medicationamong the undergraduate medical students of Katihar MedicalCollege, Katihar, Bihar, IndiaMaterial and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire basedstudy was conducted among first to final year undergraduatemedical students in the month of February and March 2019,after taking informed consent from participants. The studywas kept anonymous to get genuine response from students.Total 396 students were taken. Out of which 18 incompletequestionnaires were excluded and 378 questionnaires wereanalyzed.Results: Self-medication practice was highly prevalent amongthe undergraduate medical students, with 71.70% reportingthat they indulge in it. Self-medication was more prevalentamong female students than male. Fever and headache (66%)were the most frequently reported illnesses for which Selfmedication was practiced by the students. Analgesics andAntipyretics (64%) were the most common drugs used bystudents for Self-medication. The most common reasonadduced for Self-medication practice (68%) was their beliefthat they have sufficient information and knowledge, and theyknow what to take for which aliment. Internet and Mobileapps (67%) were the major source of information for Selfmedication reported by students.Conclusion: Self-Medication is prevalent among theundergraduate medical students of Katihar Medical College,Katihar, Bihar, India, The findings highlight the need forintervention programmes regarding the practice of selfmedication and educate them regarding advantage anddisadvantages of Self-medication.
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Background: Due to an array of reasons like easy accessibility and awareness about the available drugs, self-medication has steeply increased the already existent drug misuse. As the health professional students are exposed to all the information of drugs, it would be worthwhile to survey if this knowledge is misused to self-medicate. The present study was aimed at determining the impact of educational intervention on the prevalent attitudes and pattern of self-medication among medical, dental and nursing students as they constitute a vulnerable group for such practices.Methods: A total of 360 health professional students participated in the study. A validated questionnaire and self-medication scale (SMS) were used for the survey, before and after the educational workshop.Results: Of the 360 students 70% were females. 93.89% reported practicing self-medication, which reduced to 78.63% after the educational workshops. Average number of self-medication encounters before the workshop was 4.03±0.30. Analgesics were most commonly used. The modified SMS scores were significantly reduced (p<0.0001) after interventional workshops indicating that the enhanced knowledge, increased the reluctance to self-medicate and make students think twice before self-medicating so as to reduce such harmful, casual drug use habits. Educational workshops statistically (p<0.0001) enhanced the participants knowledge of ADRs, OTC drugs, expiry date, package inserts etc. 77.78% nursing students were habituated to at least one drug which was significantly higher (?2=20.45, p<0.0001) than that of medical and dental students taken together.Conclusions: Educational intervention reduces the evil of self-medication and enhances safe drug use habits among healthcare professional students.
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OBJECTIVE： To provide reference for the improvement of OTC drug management system in mainland China. METHODS： By analyzing the classification， registration management， conversion procedures and supporting measures， instructions and packaging management of OTC drugs in Taiwan area of China， and considering the current situation and problems of OTC drug management in mainland China， suggestions for improving OTC drug management system in mainland China were put forward. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS： OTC drugs of Taiwan area could be divided into drugs instructed by physicians and pharmacists （hereinafter referred to as “instructed drugs”） as well as patent drugs. The registration management of instructed drugs was implemented in accordance with the Criteria for the Review of Instructed Drugs. The criteria not only regulated the active ingredients， dosage forms， indications， usage and dosage， side effects， matters needing attention and warnings of instructed drugs， but also stipulated the requirements for labeling， instructions and outer-of-the-box printing of instructed drugs. Taiwan area had also established a mechanism for evaluating drug conversion to expand the variety range of prescription drugs converted to OTC drugs， and had equipped a series of supporting measures to reduce the safety risks arising from drug conversion. In 2016， Taiwan area also formulated the Format and Relevant Standards for Outer-of-the-Box of Generic Western OCT Drug， and revised the drug instructions and the outer-of-the-box. The format was more standardized and the terminology was easier to understand， which made it easier for the public to read. It is suggested that mainland China should refer to the experience of Taiwan area， set up special registration channels for OTC drugs and simplify the requirements for examination and approval， pay attention to and improve the matching measures for the conversion of prescription drugs to OTC drugs， encourage brand building and improve intelligibility of OTC drug instructions， so as to build an effective OTC drug management system.
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Objective: We investigated cases of visit encouragement by pharmacists and drugstore salespersons, and confirmed the significance of self-medication support.Methods: We conducted a web survey for pharmacists working at community pharmacies and drugstores, and registered salespersons working at drugstores. The main survey items were the attributes of the respondents, whether they had experience in encouraging visits to the doctor during consultations for cold-like symptoms, and the type of encouragement (patient background, main complaints, and prognosis).Results: We obtained responses from 300 pharmacists working at community pharmacies, 57 pharmacists working at drugstores, and 56 registered salespersons. Of the respondents, 88% of the pharmacists at community pharmacies, and 100% of the pharmacists and registered salespersons at drugstores had experience in encouraging doctor visits. Of the 84 visit encouragement cases reviewed, the diseases that were often suspected were influenza, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Cases of early symptoms of tuberculosis, mycoplasma pneumonia, and cerebral infarction, which were identified as a result of the doctor visits, were also included.Conclusion: Our study suggested that when customers with cold-like symptoms received accurate support from pharmacists and registered salespersons, they not only selected the correct OTC drugs for their symptoms, but they also received support that led to the early detection of serious diseases.
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Background: Healthcare workers gain adequate knowledge related to medications used in treating illness from their work experiences which influences self medication practices.Methods: The present study was conducted in N=150 healthcare workers, divided into 2 groups with group I (nursing staff) and group II (paramedical staff) with 75 participants in each group. Data related to self medication was obtained from a pretested validated semi structured questionnaire either in Kannada or English. The responses were compared between each group with chi square test. P value ?0.05 was considered significant. All statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS 16.Results: The mean age (mean±SD) of the participants in group I and group II is 31.79±8.309 and 34.15 (±8.168) respectively with p =0.081. The prevalence of self medication was 100% in both the groups. Both the groups knowledge related to the definition of self medication was similar (group I 63 (84.0%) and group II 62 (82.7%) p = 0.900). Group I believes that self medication is entirely safe compared to group II which was statistically significant (group I 66 (88.7%) and group II 46 (61.3%) p=0.029). Most common drugs used for self medication was NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in both the groups being 75 (100%). Antibiotics was used by 26 (2.66%) in group I and 14 (18.66%) in group II.Conclusions: Self medication practice is highly prevalent in the healthcare workers, who also influence the other populations to practice self medication. Practicing responsible self medication is more appreciable.
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Background: As per Indian pharmacopoeia, package inserts are part of a label that provides information on the article. It may be the sole source of information for drugs, which are available in the pharmacies without the prescription and it may include both prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs. So, to aid in safety and efficacy of these drugs, package inserts must follow the standard guidelines (The Drugs and Cosmetics rule, 1945). The objective of this study was to observe the status of the standard guidelines for package insert in drugs accessible as OTC drugs.Methods: Based on the inquiries made with pharmacies, list of drugs commonly bought without prescription was made. 256 drugs were evaluated. Their package inserts were observed for the extent to which the guidelines given by The Drugs and Cosmetics rule 1945, section 6.2 and 6.3 are being followed. Secondary objectives were made to assess if package inserts are physician friendly or patients friendly.Results: Package inserts were missing in 180 (70%) of the drugs. Therapeutic indications were present in 71% of the available package inserts (76). Pharmaceutical information was given in 57% of the package inserts. English was the preferred language and medicinal terms were used. Only one package insert was patient friendly.Conclusions: Package inserts should be made available in every drug. There should be a separate patient oriented package insert guideline, as per US food and drug administration (FDA), in India as well. This will aid in their safe and effective use.