Abstract

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION ON KNOWLEDGE OF OTC MEDICATIONS AMONG COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN THRISSUR DISTRICT, KERALA

Dawn V. J.*, L. Panyappan, Anchu C. and Sivaranjini S.

ABSTRACT

Over the counter medicines (OTC) the study is planned to conduct in 100 community pharmacies in Trichur district. The time period of this study was 8 months. The survey conducted based on the questionnaire prepared. The study is carried out in retail pharmacies in rural and urban areas of Trichur district. Most of the pharmacists had D.pharm qualification. In both areas antiallergic and analgesics class of drugs dispensed as OTC medicines frequently. Most of the pharmacists in both urban and rural area would dispense antibiotics as OTC medicines. In rural area antibiotic Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid is most dispensed as OTC and in urban area, it was a blend of Ciprofloxacin and Tinidazole is the most dispensed antibiotic as OTC medicines, in rural area most preferred OTC analgesics is acetaminophen, And that of urban area it was a combination of Mefenamic acid and Acetaminophen. The confront in controlling the problem of OTC misuse and abuse is to achieve the necessary high level of consumer protection for the few at risk, while not restricting access to OTC products for those who continue to use them safely. It is recommended that by monitoring usage of certain OTC products, in addition to data recording and education, safe and effective use of such medicines can be promoted.

Keywords: Over the counter drugs, community pharmacists, patients.