Abstract

A REVIEW ON MISUSE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS

Rahul Manhas* and Manjit Kaur

ABSTRACT

Over-The-Counter drugs are also known as non-prescription medicines. OTC drugs are medications available without a prescription, allowing consumers to purchase them directly from pharmacies or stores. These have little significant pharmacological activity and therefore the physician need not to be very much concerned about their use by the patients themselves. The review outlines what is currently known about OTC drug usage. OTC drug addiction may rise as over-the-counter medications become more popular among patients. Since it may be obtained with a prescription, people frequently turn to it first. It also has the ability to inform and counsel patients regarding the usage of over-the-counter medications. When drugs are taken improperly, there is a higher chance of drug abuse and adverse drug effects. Overconsumption outside the scope ofrecognized medical practice is defined as misuse and abuse when the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Among these are taking more and using it for longer than is advised when self-medicating. It is necessary to enact laws to encourage the responsible use of over-the-counter medications.

Keywords: Misuse, Abuse, Non-prescription drugs, Over-the-counter.