Published Paper Details:

Self-care and self-medication are important aspects of any health-care system. The self-medication procedure includes the usage of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The popularity of over-the-counter drugs among patients may raise their abuse potential. Due to its accessibility, pharmacists are often the first contact point for patients and have the opportunity to educate and advise patients on the proper use of OTC medications. This article briefly describes the potential for OTC substance abuse and the effects of self-medication on OTC substance abuse. This review further discusses the barriers pharmacists face when treating OTC drug abuse, given the increasing likelihood of switching from prescription drugs to OTC drugs in recent years. In addition, the potential categories of medicines behind counters to improve patient-pharmacist interactions were discussed. This study adds to the body of knowledge about the challenges pharmacists confront in preventing OTC medicine addiction and creating effective intervention techniques