Over-the-counter medicines: Global perspective and Indian scenario

Patients often approach a pharmacist instead of visiting a doctor for minor ailments such as cough, cold, allergies, pain, fever, acidity, diarrhea, and skin-related conditions. Purchase of specific medicines over the counter is legally recognized in most countries. 'Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of postgraduate medicine Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 28 - 34
Main Authors: Marathe, PA, Kamat, SK, Tripathi, RK, Raut, SB, Khatri, NP
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2020
Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
Edition:2
Subjects:
Cosmetics
Drug dosages
Drug stores
Graduate studies
Medicine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Over the counter trading
Pharmacists
Prescription drugs
Reimbursement
Review
Review Article
Sales
Schedules
Search strategies
Self-medication
Supervision
New Zealand
United Kingdom > UK
United States > US
China
Japan
Australia
Germany
India
nonprescription drugs
self-medications
Drugs and cosmetics act
over-the-counter
ISSN:0022-3859, 0972-2823, 0972-2823
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Patients often approach a pharmacist instead of visiting a doctor for minor ailments such as cough, cold, allergies, pain, fever, acidity, diarrhea, and skin-related conditions. Purchase of specific medicines over the counter is legally recognized in most countries. 'Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines' means drugs which are legally allowed to be sold by pharmacists without need for a prescription. The term does not have a legal definition in India. Technically, drugs are OTC unless they are specifically stated as prescription only drugs. OTC drugs allow faster and cheaper access to healthcare; however, their misuse and adverse health effects cause concerns. This article describes concept of OTC medicines and practices in India against the background of globally prevalent regulations and practices. A recognized category of OTC medicines by law, patient awareness programs, and support of pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies are required to optimize the use of OTC medicines in India.
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ISSN:0022-3859
0972-2823
0972-2823
DOI:10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_381_19