Use patterns of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and perspectives on OTC medications among Korean adult patients with chronic diseases: gender and age differences

Abstract

BackgroundA number of symptomatic patients tend to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription medications. OTC medications can be easily obtained in pharmacies for self-treatment, but using OTC medications is not always safe and beneficial for patients. The aims of this study were to examine the use patterns of OTC medications and assess patients’ perspectives regarding the use of OTC medications in Korean patients with chronic diseases.Patients and methodsA descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out with Korean patients who visited the community pharmacy, located at the southern region of South Korea, during September 2015.ResultsA total of 345 patients participated in this survey. Approximately 64% of Korean survey respondents reported that they had used OTC drugs. The most commonly used OTC medications were antipyretics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The perception level of Korean consumers on adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions from OTC medications was relatively low. Although OTC package leaflets are a main source of information about OTC medications, Korean consumers’ level of reading OTC package leaflets was relatively low.ConclusionBased on these results, this study can serve as a meaningful starting point for interventions of health care professionals regarding OTC medications in South Korea. In particular, pharmacists should inform their consumers of drug-related problems from OTC drugs during consultation with the consumers; however, information about OTC drugs should be tailored to consumer information needs with the consideration of his or her circumstance. It is somewhat difficult to generalize the results from this study to other regions of South Korea since most of the respondents were probably residents of a small rural city located in the southern region of South Korea.

Prevalence of over-the-counter drug abuse among adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…As a result, it is critical to assist patients in making use of the information in package leaflets and to improve their understanding. 24 According to the findings, respondents with a higher level of education (bachelor's degree or higher) are more likely to use OTC, which is consistent with the findings of other studies because they can understand and read the descriptions on drug packages. 15,25 In our study, there was no significant association between self-medication and educational level, which is in agreement with the finding of a study conducted in Al Majmaah city.…”

Analysis of spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions for non-analgesic over-the-counter drugs from 2008 to 2017

“…Furthermore, a pharmacist’s intervention, for instance, as a follow up program or identification of OTC drug misuse and abuse, can lead to improved patient outcomes [24, 25]. Several studies concluded that the role of pharmacists in educating consumer of appropriate use of OTC drugs is essential for appropriate use [26–29]. However, the need for improvement of OTC consultation in the pharmacy setting has been recognized [29–31].…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice among interns about over the counter drugs in a tertiary care hospital in India

“…OTC medications are not always considered safe and beneficial for patients as they can be exposed to unexpected adverse drug reactions and drug-drug and drug-food interactions. 6 OTC drugs can also have potential for their misuse and abuse such as codeinebased medicines, cold and cough medications, sedative antihistamines, decongestants and laxatives. 7 The dangers of self-medication are often underestimated, particularly with OTC drugs.…”