A study on Public Perception and self-medication practices with Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Debkanta Chatterjee,

  • Rakhi Biswas,

  • Md Akash,

  • Ruhana Raffic,

  1. Pharmacology intern, Department of Pharmacology, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Pharmacology intern, Department of Pharmacology, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Pharmacology intern, Department of Pharmacology, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are commonly used by individuals for self-medication due to their easy availability and the general belief that they are safe. However, misuse can lead to negative health outcomes such as adverse reactions, drug interactions, and delays in seeking professional medical care. In a country like India, where enforcement of drug regulations can vary and socioeconomic factors play a major role, the practice of self- medication is especially widespread. This prospective observational study, conducted between December 2024 and March 2025, aimed to explore patterns of OTC use and assess public awareness. Using a structured questionnaire shared through social media and institutional channels, data was collected from 135 individuals who had used or purchased OTC medicines within the past six months. Most participants were young adults, particularly college students, with an average age of 28 years. Cold and allergy medications, along with analgesics, were the most frequently used drug categories. Pharmacists and doctors emerged as the main sources of information, although more than half of the respondents admitted to not reading medication labels carefully. The Chi-square analysis indicated statistically significant differences in how participants perceived the use of OTC drugs. These findings suggest a strong reliance on OTC medications among the younger, educated population and 2 highlight the need for increased public education and active involvement of pharmacists to encourage responsible and informed self-medication.

Keywords: Consumer behaviour, Drug safety, Over-the-counter drugs, Pharmacist counselling, self-medication.

How to cite this article:
Debkanta Chatterjee, Rakhi Biswas, Md Akash, Ruhana Raffic. A study on Public Perception and self-medication practices with Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 16(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Debkanta Chatterjee, Rakhi Biswas, Md Akash, Ruhana Raffic. A study on Public Perception and self-medication practices with Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 16(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjops/article=2025/view=0


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
03
Received 23/07/2025
Accepted 29/07/2025
Published 25/08/2025
Publication Time 33 Days
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