OTC DRUGS AGAINST PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Dr J Domenech

OTC DRUGS AGAINST PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Dr. J. Domenech

INTRODUCTION Ø Medications include over-the-counter drugs(OTC) as well as prescription drugs. Ø People often think drugs that do not require a doctor’s prescription cannot be harmful. Ø Over-the-counter drugs also can create problems if not used in the right way or sometimes if used at the same time as prescription medications. Ø Because over-the-counter drugs are used so frequently and can have harmful effects, it is important to know the differences between prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 2

Prescription Drugs Ø Require a written order or prescription from a physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner. This prescription tells a pharmacist to dispense a particular medication. Ø Are prescribed to treat a specific medical problem. Ø Are usually more powerful than over-the-counter drugs. 3

Over-the-Counter Drugs Ø ‘OTC drugs’ means drugs legally allowed to sold over the counter by pharmacist. Ø Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those available without a prescription. Ø Are intended for things patients can treat with selfcare. Ø Are considered safe if warnings and directions are followed. 4

OTC Drugs Categories Antacids Antiemetic Antihistamines Cough Medicine Vitamins Decongestant Pain Killers Laxatives Herbal Products 5

Commonly Used OTC Drugs NORFLOX-TZ IBUPROFEN REVITAL PARACETAMOL I-pill BENADRYL 6

Headache, Cold/Cough and acidity are the most common ailments for which Patient's prefer taking an OTC drug. Pain Fever No. of Patient's Cold & Cough Acidity Headache 0 2 4 6 8 7

Interesting Facts of OTC Drugs Ø Over-the-counter drug market in India ranks eleventh in the global OTC market and is expected to reach the ninth position within the next five years. Ø The Indian OTC market is estimated to be worth $19 billion with an annual growth rate of 23%. Ø An estimated 3 out of 4 people routinely self-medicate with these drug products. 8

MARKET ANALYSIS Drugs Used by Indians OTC Drugs 55% Prescription Drugs 45% “Over-the-counter drug products account for 55 percent of drugs used by Indians. ” 9

“SW ITICHING” Policy of FDA Ø The FDA is attempting to make more drugs available to the general public by switching some frequently used and safe prescription drugs to OTC status. Ø More than 700 OTC products on the market today use ingredients or dosages, that were available only by prescription, less than 30 years ago. 10

OTC Medications Are Safe But Not Risk-Free As with all medications, there can be risks with use. The risks of OTC use include: Ø Delay in seeking medical advice for a serious illness. Ø Risk of drug-drug/herbal/dietary supplement interactions. Ø Risk of adverse events. Ø Potential for dependence, misuse and abuse. 11

In what way the OTC drugs can be Harmful. Ø OTC drugs can change the effect of prescription medications. Ø OTC drugs can mask symptoms of disease. Ø OTC drugs can lead to overdose. Ø If misused even common over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, vitamins, or cold remedies can be harmful. 12

Misuse & Abuse • Recent Survey have reported that : i. In one survey it has been found that only 16% reads the entire product label. ii. If they read them they do not follow the directions on the label. iii. Abuse is most common in adolescents aged 10 -17 years. iv. Adolescents are 18% times more likely to dies from an OTC overdose than from a illicit drug dose overdose. 13

About Prescription drugs • According to the Durham-Humphrey Amendment of 1951, drugs are controlled with prescription if they are: Ø Habit-forming. Ø Not safe for self-medication. Ø Intended to treat ailments that require the supervisions of a health professional. Ø New and without an established safe track record. 14

Categories of Prescription Drugs Bronchodilators Antibiotics Antidiabetics Antidepressants Antiepileptics Cardiovasculars Hormone related drugs, etc. 15

COMMONLY USED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Amoxicillin Diazepam Furosemide Losartan Atenolol Imipramine 16

CONCLUSION 17

REFERNCE • Senior Series Volume 2, The Center on Rural Elderly, University of Missouri System , Revised by Dr. Bella Mehta, Pharm D (August 2007). • Pharma Knowledge Base, Empowering Knowledge of pharma proffesionals -2011(Knowledge Process Enhancer: www. kpelearnlive. com) • http: //www. dolcera. com/wiki/index. php? title=Rx_to_ OTC_Switch-Market_Analysis (2010 -11) • www. nmaen. org/education/study/testprep/. . . /OTC. pp t 18

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