4.
Unit-wise course material
4.1.1.Unit IX OTC Medication
Definiton, OTC medication list and counselling
4.1.1 Unit Objectives:
After reading this Unit, you should be able to understand:
- Non prescription medicines
- Types of OTC medications.
- Rational use of OTC medications.
- Role of pharmacist in OTC medications.
- OTC medications in India
4.1.2 Unit Outcomes:
- Give an outline of significance of OTC drugs.
- Explain the rules for the proper use of OTC drugs.
- Elucidate the OTC products liable for misuse.
- Debate on prescription and non prescription products.
- Trace the key steps to use opioid analgesics.
- Give the meaning of rational use of OTC drugs.
- List out the findings of OTC drug marketing
- Explain the doctors view points on OTC drugs..
- Bring out patient counseling for proper use of OTC drugs
4.1.3 Unit Lecture Plan
Lecture Topic Methodology Quick reference No of hrs
no. required
1. a) Definition, Chalk & Board Internet
significance and 1
types of OTC
drugs
2. b)label info., rules Chalk & Board Internet
for the proper use, 1
specific patient
gruops
3. c) misuse and Chalk & Board Internet 1
abuse, OTC
products liable to
misuse
4. d) Rational use of Chalk & Board Internet 3
OTC drugs
5. e) Patient Chalk & Board Internet 1
counselling
6. f) OTC in India Chalk & Board Internet 2
4.11.1Teaching Material / Teaching Aids as per above lecture plan.
4.1.1.2. Lecture-1
OTC DRUGS DEFINITION
OTC drugs are those drugs which are safe and effective for use by the general public without a
doctors prescription. It is also called prescription de controlled drugs.
These drugs are the non prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
These have little significant pharmacological activity and therefore the physician need not to
be very much concerned about their use by the patients themselves.
It is used primarily for symptomatic relief and not as substitutes for prescription drugs.
SIGNIFICANCE
Comparatively cheaper
Chemist himself may prescribe OTC
Consumers are able to Self diagnose Self treat Self manage
OTC considered as time saving medications. Some patients do not want to spend much time at
physicians clinic. Lesser number of side effects compared to prescription medications.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Over-the-counter drug products account for 55 percent of drugs used by Indians. Prescription
Drugs 45%OTC Drugs 55% Drugs Used by Indians.
TYPES OF OTC MEDICATIONS
ANALGESICS
ANTIBIOTICS
COUGH SUPPRESSENTS
ANTI ACNE DRUGS
NSAIDS
ANTISEPTICS
DECONGESTANTS
ANTACIDS
ANTIFUNGALS
ANTI HISTAMINES
SMOKING CESSATION DRUGS
Topical Antibiotic
Topical Antibiotics are medicines applied to the skin to kill bacteria. They are used to treat or
prevent infections that occur on minor cuts, scrapes, and burns due to presence of bacteria.
Cough Suppressants
Cough Suppressants are medicines that prevent or stop coughing. A cough suppressant is used
for treating dry coughs (antitussives). It helps to suppress the body's urge to cough. Cough
suppressants are different from cough expectorants. Cough expectorants help in treating
productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm).
Anti Acne Drugs
Anti-acne drugs are medicines are used in the treatment of various acne problems like pimples,
whiteheads, blackheads, and other serious forms of acne.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are medicines that are used to treat inflammation, mild to
moderate pain, and fever. They are basically drugs with analgesic and antipyretic effects and
with higher doses, they have anti-inflammatory effects.
Antiseptics
Medicine Antiseptics in the form of lotions, creams, ointment are medicines that slow or stop the
growth of germs and help prevent infections in cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Analgesics Drugs
Analgesics are medicines that relieve pain.
Decongestants
Decongestants are the drugs or medicines used to relieve nasal congestion, which in common
terms, refer to stuffy nose.
Antacids
Antacids are the medicines or drugs that neutralize the stomach acids.
Antihistamines
Anti-Histamines are medicines that relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergy like Hay Fever,
itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose and other kinds of allergy.
Anti Fungal Drug
Anti-Fungal Drugs are used to treat infections caused by a fungus.
Smoking Cessation Drug
Smoking-cessation Drugs are medicines that are used to help people stop smoking cigarettes or
using other forms of tobacco.
4.1.1.3. Lecture-2
Label information controlled by the FDA
Example:
Product name - OTC
Identity- Antacids
Active ingredients - Ingredients
Quantity - 12 fl. oz.
Manufacturer- GOTCHA, INC.
When to use- Indications
How to use- Directions:
What to watch for - Warnings
Possible drug interactions- Precautions
Expiration date: When drug should no longer be used
RULES FOR THE PROPER USE OF OTC DRUGS
Always know what you are taking.
Know the effects.
Read and heed the warnings and cautions.
Dont use anything for more than 1 to 2 wks.
Be particularly cautious if also taking prescription drugs.
If you have questions, ask a pharmacist.
If you dont need it, dont use it!
SPECIAL PATIENT GROUPS
Many patient groups may be particularly susceptible to adverse events that are caused by OTC
products. They include: Children Women who are pregnant or breast feeding Geriatric
patients People taking prescription drugs & people having health problems.
4.1.1.4. Lecture-3
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 supplements interactions.
Risk of adverse events.
Potential for dependence, misuse and abuse.
MISUSE AND ABUSE OF OTC DRUGS
Physical dependence
Psychological dependence
Nonprescription products that can be severely habit-forming: decongestants, laxatives,
antihistamines, sleep aids, antacids and ephedrine.
Only 16% reads the entire product label.
If they read them they do not follow the directions on the label.
Abuse is most common in adolescents aged 10-17 years.
Adolescents are 18% times more likely to dies from an OTC overdose than from a illicit
drug dose overdose.
OTC PRODUCTS LIABLE TO MISUSE
Product type examples
Solvents methylated and surgical spirit
Propellants pain relieving sprays
Chemicals citric acid
Opioids codeine, morphine
Laxatives senna
Overdosing has occurred with non prescription medicines, particularly those that contain
paracetamol. Adverse reactions can also occur but rare. Pharmacist should therefore ensure that
advice and information are available on the safe and effective use of medicines.
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.
4.1.1.5. Lecture-4
RATIONAL USE OF OTC DRUGS
ANALGESICS
Pain relief medicines (also known as "analgesics" and "painkillers") are regulated by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
Some analgesics, including opioid analgesics, act on the body's peripheral and central nervous
systems to block or decrease sensitivity to pain. Others act by inhibiting the formation of certain
chemicals in the body.
These relieve the minor aches and pains associated with conditions such as headaches, fever,
colds, flu, arthritis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
There are basically two types of OTC pain relievers:
acetaminophen
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Acetaminophen is an active ingredient found in more than 600 OTC and prescription medicines,
including pain relievers, cough suppressants, and cold medications.
NSAIDs are common medications used to relieve fever and minor aches and pains. They
include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, as well as many medicines taken for colds, sinus
pressure, and allergies. They act by inhibiting an enzyme that helps make specific chemicals.
Use as Directed
Pain medications are safe and effective when used as directed. However, misuse of these
products can be extremely harmful and even deadly.
Consumers who take pain relief medications must follow their health care professional's
instructions carefully. If a measuring tool is provided with your medicine, use it as directed.
Do not change the dose of your pain relief medication without talking to your doctor first.
Also, pain medications should never be shared with anyone else. Only your health care
professional can decide if a prescription pain medication is safe for someone.
Key points to remember.
With acetaminophen:
Taking a higher dose than recommended will not provide more relief and can be dangerous.
Too much can lead to liver damage and death. Risk for liver damage may be increased in
people who drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day while using acetaminophen-
containing medicines.
Be cautious when giving acetaminophen to children. Infant drop medications can be
significantly stronger than regular children's medications. Read and follow the directions on the
label every time you use a medicine. Be sure that your infant is getting the infants' pain formula
and your older child is getting the children's pain formula.
With NSAIDs:
Too much can cause stomach bleeding. This risk increases in people who are over 60 years of
age, are taking prescription blood thinners, are taking steroids, have a history of stomach
bleeding or ulcers, and/or have other bleeding problems.
Use of NSAIDs can also cause kidney damage. This risk may increase in people who are over
60 years of age, are taking a diuretic (a drug that increases the excretion of urine), have high
blood pressure, heart disease, or pre- existing kidney disease.
With opioids:
Use of opioids can lead to drowsiness. Do not drive or use any machinery that may injure you,
especially when you first start the medication.
The dose of an opioid pain medication that is safe for you could be high enough to cause an
overdose and death in someone else, especially children.
Know the Active Ingredients
A specific area of concern with OTC pain medicines is when products sold for different uses
have the same active ingredient. A cold and cough remedy may have the same active ingredient
as a headache remedy or a prescription pain reliever.
To minimize the risks of an accidental overdose, consumers should avoid taking multiple
medications with the same active ingredient at the same time.
All OTC medicines must have all of their active ingredients listed on the package. For
prescription drugs, the active ingredients are listed on the container label.
Talk with your pharmacist or another health care professional if you have questions about using
OTC medicines, and especially before using them in combination with dietary supplements or
other OTC or prescription medicines.
Misuse and Abuse
Misuse and abuse of pain medications can be extremely dangerous. This is especially so in
regard to opioids. These medications should be stored in a place where they cannot be stolen.
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have shown that properly managed
medical use of opioid analgesic compounds (taken exactly as prescribed) is safe, can manage
pain effectively, and rarely causes addiction.
But the abuse of opioids is a significant public safety concern. Abusers ingest these drugs orally,
and also crush the pills in order to snort or inject them.
Commonly abused opioid pain medicines include prescription drugs such as codeine, and the
brand-name products Oxycontin (oxycodone),Vicodin (hydrocodone with acetaminophen), and
Demerol(meperidine).
Addiction is just one serious danger of opioid abuse. A number of overdose deaths have resulted
from snorting and injecting opioids, particularly the drug OxyContin, which was designed to be a
slow- release formulation.
Key Steps to Use Opioids Safely:
Keep your doctor informed. Inform your health care professional about any past history of
substance abuse. All patients treated with opioids for pain require careful monitoring by their
health care professional for signs of abuse and addiction, and to determine when these analgesics
are no longer needed.
Follow directions carefully. Opioids are associated with significant side effects, including
drowsiness, constipation, and depressed breathing depending on the amount taken. Taking too
much could cause severe respiratory depression or death. Do not crush or break pills. This can
alter the rate at which the medication is absorbed and lead to overdose and death.
Reduce the risk of drug interactions. Don't mix opioids with alcohol,antihistamines,
barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. All of these substances slow breathing and their combined
effects could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression
COUGH SUPPRESSENTS
The role of cough medicine is to ease symptoms while your body heals.
OTC cough medicines are only three basic types:
Expectorants help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. Main ingredient is the
guaifenesin.
Suppressants help cut the number of times you cough. The active ingredient listed is usually
dextromethorphan (DM). Other cough suppressants include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and
menthol.
Combination cough products have more than one active ingredient. They have both
guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Cough medicines may also contain ingredients to help coat
and soothe the throat.
Combination products may have medicines to ease other symptoms, that may include
decongestants for stuffy nose, antihistamines for allergies or a runny nose, or painkillers. Choose
a medicine that matches your symptoms.
Cough drops can also help relieve a cough and may ease a sore throat.
Cough suppressants containing opioid should be taken with extreme caution. The main
ingredient of opioid cough suppressants are dextromethorphan.
How to Use Cough Medicine Safely
Look at the ingredients.
Check the label. Is it a suppressant or an expectorant? Is it both? Make sure you're getting what
you need.
Don't use medicine for more than 7 days.
Always measure the correct dose.
Because even safe medicines in high doses can be very dangerous. High doses of cough
medicine can cause serious problems, including brain damage, seizure, or death.
Be careful with combination medicines. Many OTC cough medicines have multiple
ingredients -- expectorants and suppressants along with decongestants, antihistamines, or
painkillers. Select products with only the medicines that treat your symptoms. If your symptom
is only a cough, for instance, you don't need a decongestant or painkiller. If you need to treat
multiple symptoms, check other medicines you take to see if they contain the same ingredients.
Don't take two medicines that have the same ingredients. If you have any questions, ask your
pharmacist or doctor.
Keep away from young children. Make sure to choose the right medicine based on your
child's age. Don't give cough and cold medicine to children under age 4. For kids 4 to 6, ask your
doctor first. And always make sure to follow the dosing directions on the label.
Consider doing nothing. Waiting out a cough is the simplest option. Remember that most
coughs don't need treatment. You don't have to take any medicine. Give your body a week and
your cough will probably go away on its own. If it doesn't, see your doctor.
Read the label. After you choose the right medicine for you, read the label carefully, so you
understand how to take it, common side effects, and any warnings you need to be aware of.
NSAIDS
NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
NSAIDs are one of two major types of OTC pain relievers. The other is acetaminophen
(Tylenol).
A few different types of NSAIDs are available over the counter:
Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
Naproxen (Aleve)
NSAIDs are used to reduce fever and relieve mild aches and pains. They can be used for
everything from a mild toothache or headache to cramps. Many people also use NSAIDs to
relieve the pain of arthritis or to treat the aches and pains of the common cold and flu.
NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes in the body that help make chemicals that signal pain. When
these enzymes are blocked, you feel less pain.
SPECIAL PATIENT GROUPS
Talk with your doctor before taking any NSAID if you:
Are over age 60
Are pregnant or nursing
Have three or more drinks of alcohol every day
Have bleeding problems
Have liver or kidney disease
Have heart disease
Take a medicine to thin the blood, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Take a medicine for high blood pressure
Children and teenagers who are recovering from a viral infection such as the flu or chickenpox
should not take aspirin. It has been linked to Reyes syndrome, a serious but rare condition that
can result in brain, kidney, and liver damage.
Naproxen sodium is not recommended for children under.
Ibuprofen is considered safe for children 6 months and older in the right dose
To reduce your risk of problems with NSAIDs, try these tips:
Dont drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol while youre taking an NSAID increases your risk of
bleeding.
Take NSAIDs with food and water.
If you have a history of stomach problems, ask your doctor about taking a drug that blocks
stomach acid with the NSAID. When choosing pain relief medication, its most important to take
the lowest dose that works for you and to take it as directed. And if your pain continues for more
than a 10 days or isnt controlled by the OTC NSAID, its a good idea to talk with your doctor.
COUNSELING
OTC COUNSELING QUESTIONS
Counseling patients about self-care and nonprescription drugs is not the same and cannot follow
the same procedure as for prescription drugs. That is why OTC counseling requires much more
exploratory open or close- ended questions on the part of the pharmacist which are especially
useful to clarify information gathered about the patients condition. It allows gathering the most
abundant amount of information.
These questions usually start with who, what, how, why or where. For example:
Which of the prescription medications do you take on regular basis?
Which of the nonprescription and herbal medications do you use?
What types of conditions do you routinely see your doctor for?
Some other questions are also possible:
Have you ever experienced any side effects after taking the OTC medication?
Have you taken this OTC medication before?
4.1.1.6. Lecture-5
PATIENT COUNSELING( ROLE OF PHARMACIST)
Step l
Every pharmacist should begin the OTC counseling session by introducing himself/herself by
name which identifies him/her as the pharmacist. He/she should try to relax the patient by
beginning the session with a friendly smile and a handshake. The pharmacist should also explain
that he/she can provide assistance with OTC product selection and explain how to use such
medication.
Step 2
In order to elicit key information the pharmacist should first and foremost try to obtain relevant
information about patients demographic (e.g. sex, age, pregnant, nursing, weight, allergies,
social history etc), disease (e.g. history of present illness, current symptoms, course of illness,
past history, other underlying medical conditions) and drug (e.g. current medication, medication
taking history, OTC history etc.) Moreover, by using suitable verbal and written communication
techniques, the pharmacist should inform, educate, and counsel patients about the following:
Drug name (generic and/or brand name)
Route, dosage form, dosage and administration schedule;
Special directions for preparation and administration as well as precautions to be taken during
the process;
Techniques for self-monitoring of drug therapy;
Storage;
Potential drug-drug or drug-food interactions or other therapeutic contraindications ; and
Accordingly other Information "peculiar to the specific patient or drug etc.
In addition, it is of vital importance to demonstrate to patients- how to use medications in
various forms such as inhalers, patches, drops, ointments, lozenges, gargles etc.
And
Ask them to demonstrate making sure that patients understand which route of administration
should be used thus ensuring that patients have all the necessary instructions in writing and that
they understand how to schedule their medications in accordance with meals and other
medications.
4.1.1.7. Lecture-6
Otc in india
OTC drugs means drugs legally allowed to be sold over the counter by pharmacists
they do not require the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner
the phrase OTC has no legal recognition in India, but all the drugs not included in the
list of prescription-only drugs are considered to be non-prescription drugs (or OTC
drugs)
Rx drugs
Prescription-only drugs are those medicines that are listed in Schedules H and X of the
Drug and Cosmetics Rules.
Drugs listed in Schedule G (mostly antihistamines) do not need prescription to purchase
but require the following mandatory text on the label: Caution: It is dangerous to take
this preparation except under medical supervision.
Drugs falling in these three schedules are currently not advertised directly to the public
under a voluntary commitment by the pharmaceutical industry.
Current situation in Rx
today, many brands have reached a stagnation as far as prescription growth is concerned
owing to emergence of newer therapies for the same ailment and high incidence of repeat
purchase / chemist push
at the same time, legalities or internal policies may not permit direct communication of
the brand to the patients
hence, clients resort to trade incentives / loading / schemes, and loyalty programs for
doctors
Rx vs. OTC: doctors view points
doctors feel serious medicines require medical supervision & should not be advertised
OTC
OTC medicines are acceptable in non-serious ailments and are cited to be favoured
because of ease of availability
doctors are perfectly okay with the idea of OTC products being promoted to them
however, concerns are expressed with respect to medicine abuse and they feel that
chemist should play the role of an advocate in guiding patients while recommending
OTC medicines
Market statistics
India currently ranks 11 th in the global OTC market size
it is estimated that it will reach 9 th position within five years
in 2009, the Indian OTC market was approximately USD 1.8 BN with CAGR 0f
nearly 10%
typical OTC products include digestives, antacids, antiflatulents, cold rubs and
analgesic balms/creams, vitamins/tonics/health supplements, medicated skin
treatment, analgesic /cold tablets, antiseptic creams/liquids, glucose powders,
cough liquids, throat lozenges, medicated dressings (band-aids), baby gripe water,
Ayurvedic medicines and preparations.
Other findings
increasing consumer confidence in OTC for common ailments
70 % self medication in these categories
45 % influenced by chemist
natural is better ,a strong belief in Indian homes
more than 30% of the time consumers use home remedies
major usage of home remedies found in cough, cold, heartburn and indigestion categories
increasing consumer confidence in OTC for common ailments
70 % self medication in these categories
45 % influenced by chemist
natural is better ,a strong belief in Indian homes
more than 30% of the time consumers use home remedies
major usage of home remedies found in cough, cold, heartburn and indigestion categories
doctors favour time tested, trusted OTC products used in common ailments
doctors would like to be active mediators where possible
- simultaneous communication to doctors essential
many ignored categories ripe for OTC products
emerging categories include cuts & wounds , burns, muscle pains & strains, diarrhoea,
constipation
doctors not much involved in vitamin prescriptions, but consumers not knowledgeable to
take the OTC decision
significant vacancy in vitamin supplements
Marketing authorization
the major legislation for pharmaceutical regulation is the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
(DCA) and its subordinate legislation, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules,1945 (DCR)
the legislations apply to the whole of India and to all categories of medicines (e.g.,
allopathic, ayurvedic, siddha, unani and homeopathy), whether imported or manufactured
in India
the legislation is regulated by the Central Government ( Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare) in New Delhi, which is responsible for its overall supervision and enforced by
State Government through its Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
power to provide manufacturing and selling licences - which are the two main stages
required to manufacture and sell a drug - belongs to each individual State Government
through its Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which also carry out enforcement of
the DCA and the DCR
Pricing
price controls are exercised on certain drugs by virtue of the Drugs (Prices
Control) Order 1995 (DPCO), in the framework of the Essential Commodities Act
(ECA)
the DPCO is the responsibility of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and is
supervised by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
only a few OTC actives, e.g. acetylsalicylic acid and ephedrine and its salts, fall
under the current DPCO price control
there are no price controls on Ayurvedic Medicines
prices of non-scheduled drugs are subject to a maximum increase of 10% on the
prevailing price over a 12-month period.
Test Questions
True /false
1. Topical Antibiotics are medicines applied to the skin to kill bacteria. (True)
2. Chemist himself may prescribe OTC (True)
3. Analgesics are medicines that clear throat. (False)
4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs basically drugs with analgesic and
antipyretic effects and with higher doses, they have anti-inflammatory effects.
(True)
5. Antacids are the medicines or drugs that neutralize the stomach acids. (True)
6. Do not Read and heed the warnings and cautionswhile using OTC. (False)
7. Only 16% reads the entire product label. (True)
8. Abuse is most common in adolescents aged 17-23 years. (False)
9. Overdosing has occurred with non prescription medicines, particularly those
that contain paracetamol. (True)
10. Pain medications are not safe and effective when used as directed (False)
11. Pain medications should never be shared with anyone else. (True)
12. Taking a higher dose than recommended will provide more relief and can be
dangerous (False)
13. To minimize the risks of an accidental overdose, consumers should avoid
taking multiple medications with the same active ingredient at the same time. (True)
14. The abuse of opioids is a significant public safety concern. (True)
Fill in the blanks
1. Cough Suppressants are medicines that prevent or stop coughing
2. Over-the-counter drug products account for 55 percent of drugs used by
Indians.
3. Decongestants are the drugs or medicines used to relieve nasal congestion
4. Anti-Histamines are medicines that relieve or prevent the symptoms of
allergy
5. Adolescents are 18% times more likely to dies from an OTC overdose than
from a illicit drug dose overdose.
6. Pain relief medicines (also known as "analgesics" and "painkillers") are
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
7. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient found in more than 600 OTC and
prescription medicines
8. Use of opioids can lead to drowsiness.
9. Expectorants help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. Main ingredient
is the guaifenesin.
10. NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes in the body that help make chemicals
that signal pain.
11. Prescription-only drugs are those medicines that are listed in Schedules H
and X of the Drug and Cosmetics Rules.
12. The major legislation for pharmaceutical regulation is the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940 (DCA)
13. Price controls are exercised on certain drugs by virtue of the Drugs (Prices
Control) Order 1995 (DPCO), in the framework of the Essential Commodities
Act (ECA)
MCQs
1. OTC drugs are those drugs which are safe and effective for use by the general public without
a. Prescription
b. with prescription.
c. both
d. none
2. which of the following is a significance of OTC
a. cheap
b. consumer access
c. time saving
d. all
3. Overdosing has occurred with non prescription medicines, particularly those that contain
a. paracetamol
b. morphine
c. both
d. none.
4. . medications should be stored in a place where they cannot be stolen.
a. NSAIDS
b. opioids
c. both
d. none
5. Addiction is just one serious danger of .abuse
a. opioid
b. laxatives
c. antacids
d. antiseptics
6. help cut the number of times you cough
a. expectorants
b. suppressants
c. combination cough products
d. None
7. are used to reduce fever and relieve mild aches and pains.
a. NSAIDs
b. opioids
c. antacids
d. laxatives
8. Drugs listed in Schedule .(mostly antihistamines) do not need prescription to purchase
but require the following mandatory text on the label
a. H
b. G
cM
d. P
9. India currently ranks 11 th in the global OTC market size
a. 9
b. 10
c. 11
d. 14
10. The DPCO is the responsibility of the Ministry of and is supervised by the National
Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
a. commerce and industry
b. human resource development
c. Chemicals and Fertilizers
d. science and technology.
Review Questions
Very short
1. What are OTC drugs?
2. List the significance of OTC drugs.
3. List the types of OTC drugs.
4. Define diarrhea.
5. What is topical antibiotic?
6. What is cough suppressant?
7. Define amntiseptic.
8. What is abuse?
9. List out 3 rules for proper use of OTC drugs.
10. Write the specific patient groups of OTC drugs.
Short
1. Write the label information controlled by the FDA for OTC drugs.
2. Write the rules for proper use of OTC drugs.
3. Explain the risks of OTC medications.
4. Write the rational use of analgesics.
5. Write a short note on rational use of NSAIDs.
6. Explain in brief the role of pharmacist in OTC counselling
7. Explain the current situation of Rx drugs.
8. Explain the pricing of OTC drugs in India.
Long
1. Explain in detail the types of OTC drugs.
2. Write in detail the rational use of analgesics.
3. Explain in detail the rational use of cough suppressants.
4. Write in detail the rational use of NSAIDs
5. Explain in detail the patient counseling of OTC drugs.
6. Write the scenario of OTC drugs in India.
4.1.7 Assignments
Prepare a report on commonly used OTC products by community
pharmacist for the treatment of symptoms in your nearby pharmacy.
4.1.8 Previous Questions
1. Define OTC medication. List the categories of OTC
medicines.
2. Write a short note on points to consider while
selecting OTC for cough and cold.
4.1.9 Reference Text Books / with Journals Chapters etc.
Practice of Hospital,Clinical and Communtiy pharmacy by Mohd.Aqil.
Communtiy pharmacy basic principles & concept by Kamal Dua, Kavitha pabreja.
Health education and community pharmacy by N.S.Parmar.
