OTC DRUGS AGAINST PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

By- Anwar MunjewarM.Pharm (QA), Sem- I

Allana College of Pharmacy

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INTRODUCTION

Medications include over-the-counter drugs(OTC) as well as prescription drugs.

People often think drugs that do not require a doctor’s prescription cannot be harmful.

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.

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.

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Prescription Drugs

Require a written order or prescription from a

physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner. This

prescription tells a pharmacist to dispense a

particular medication. Are prescribed to treat a specific medical problem. Are usually more powerful than over-the-counter

drugs.

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Over-the-Counter Drugs

‘OTC drugs’ means drugs legally allowed to sold

over the counter by pharmacist.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those available

without a prescription.

Are intended for things patients can treat with self-

care. Are considered safe if warnings and directions are

followed.

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OTC Drugs Categories

Antacids

Antiemetic

Antihistamines

Cough Medicine

Decongestant

Laxatives

Vitamins

Pain Killers

Herbal Products

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Commonly Used OTC Drugs

NORFLOX-TZ

IBUPROFEN

REVITAL PARACETAMOL

I-pill

BENADRYL

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Headache, Cold/Cough and acidity are the most common ailments for which Patient's prefer taking an OTC drug.

Headache

Acidity

Cold & Cough

Fever

Pain

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

No. of Patient's

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Interesting Facts of OTC Drugs

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.

The Indian OTC market is estimated to be worth $19

billion with an annual growth rate of 23%.

An estimated 3 out of 4 people routinely self-medicate

with these drug products.

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“Over-the-counter drug products account for 55

percent of drugs used by Indians.”

Prescrip-tion Drugs

45%

OTC Drugs55%

Drugs Used by Indians

MARKET ANALYSIS

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“SW ITICHING” Policy of FDA

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.

More than 700 OTC products on the market today use

ingredients or dosages, that were available only by

prescription, less than 30 years ago.

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OTC Medications Are Safe But Not Risk-Free

As with all medications, there can be risks with use.

The risks of OTC use include:

Delay in seeking medical advice for a serious

illness.

Risk of drug-drug/herbal/dietary supplement

interactions. Risk of adverse events. Potential for dependence, misuse and abuse.

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In what way the OTC drugs can be Harmful.

OTC drugs can change the effect of prescription

medications.

OTC drugs can mask symptoms of disease.

OTC drugs can lead to overdose.

If misused even common over-the-counter drugs,

such as aspirin, vitamins, or cold remedies can be

harmful.

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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.

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About Prescription drugs

• According to the Durham-Humphrey Amendment of

1951, drugs are controlled with prescription if they

are: Habit-forming. Not safe for self-medication. Intended to treat ailments that require the

supervisions of a health professional. New and without an established safe track record.

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Antibiotics

Antidepressants

Antidiabetics

Antiepileptics

Bronchodilators

Cardiovasculars

Hormone related drugs, etc.

Categories of Prescription Drugs

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COMMONLY USED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Amoxicillin

Diazepam

Furosemide Losartan

Atenolol

Imipramine

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CONCLUSION

Overall we can conclude from different case studies both OTC as well as Prescription drugs have equal importance, both having advantages and at the same time disadvantages also. Though safety margin of prescribed drugs is more , OTC drugs can not be labelled unsafe due to there large occupancy in the market & most of the revenue is generated through OTC Drugs as comparative to prescribed drugs but prescribed drugs are under physician supervision hence there are low chances of toxicities . OTC drugs does not provide that much of safety.

Hence, we can not take either of the side.

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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.ppt

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THANK YOU !