Rising Over The Counter (OTC) Drugs: Reasons for Increase, Its Benefits and Limitations !

What is Over The Counter Drugs?

Over The Counter drugs, also known as OTC are the drugs/medicines sold without prescription
They are also known as non-prescription medicine
These are the kind of medicines that one can easily buy in the pharmacy without the prescription or without seeking the help from the health professional
Because of its open supply without any restriction, it is widely misused in many countries. This misuse is more common in developing countries.
Although the concept of OTC drugs is not completely bad, OTC drugs and non-OTC drugs i.e. drugs which does not need mandatory prescription from health care providers and drugs which need mandatory prescription from health care providers, must be identified and implemented accordingly

Cough medicine causes hallucination
Because of its hallucination property, people use it more often and it has become the most commonly misused drug
Their misuse causes increase in heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, etc.
Approximately 3.1 million young people aged 12 to 25 have used a non-prescription cough and cold medication to get high.

Low economic status is the major reason for the increasing trend of the use of OTC drugs
Direct use of OTC drugs decreases the cost of the treatment/health care seeking.
For people with low socio-economic status who cannot keep health in first priority, OTC drugs are the best solution

Medicine in shops/counters are easily accessible than in the health care institution.
Number of pharmacies and shops providing OTC are also high
Easy to reach/access

Complicated medical procedures, regular follow ups, laboratory tests etc., often discourage people in health institutions
Long waiting time for check ups
Lack of responsiveness of health workers in many places

Direct purchasing of the OTC drugs from the pharmacist is much cheaper than consulting doctors/health practitioners.
OTC drugs cuts down the doctor fees and other opportunity cost

People becomes conscious about their own health and play active role in own health care
Self-reliance in preventing or relieving minor symptoms or conditions
OTC drugs are easily accessible and convenient. It may play life-saving role at some instances
Reduces the economic burden, as there is no need for the professional consultation and laboratory reports.
OTC drugs are usually preferred to get instant relief.
Over the counter availability of medicine makes health services more accessible in the rural areas
Availability of over the counter drugs increases people’s understanding regarding drugs and diseases.
Use of OTC drugs can also help in avoiding the complexity related to health seeking.

Drugs prescribed without proper consultation from the health professional could further lead to serious implications
Health situation may get worse than before due to the use of wrong drugs
Overdose can cause coma, disability and sometimes death.
Improper self-medication could result in increase in drug induced disease.
Overuse of drugs like antibiotics may result in antimicrobial resistance

Some of the drugs can be addicting and can cause addiction.
Easy availability of drugs further eases addiction
Teens are specially attracted and involved in misuse of drugs. Misuse of cough medicine is an example of it
In fact, there can be withdrawal symptoms as well which may lead to depression.

OTC drugs are easily prescribed based on the drug used during similar past illnesses.
OTC drugs are also found used for suicidal purpose.
Pseudoephedrine, one of the common OTC used for the treatment of cold is also used to create illicit drugs like methamphetamine.

General public needs to made aware about the misuse of the drugs through OTC approach
People should be encouraged to seek the professional consultation and help in any medical matters
Awareness about the side effects and the overdose of OTC drugs to the community people

Make the prescription compulsory while dispensing drugs from pharmacies
Aware the patient as well as the pharmacist about the compulsion of the prescription
Strong monitoring by the government on pharmacies and use of OTC drugs

Internet could be the best medium to educate them regarding misuse of the OTC
Abuse is mostly seen among the youth.
Web series, videos, on internet would reach out the targeted audience and be more effective and efficient

State needs to prioritize and focus in this issue
Incorporate providers, patients, consumer advocates, and legislators, senior state officials in the preventive measures.
Increase the accessibility of the health services
OTC drug misuse should be incorporated in the national policy as well
Legal action can be taken, if necessary