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100			_aYadalyne Kurbah
245			_aOver-The-Counter Medication Use and Misuse: Trends, Challenges, and the Role of Pharmacists
300			_app16-24
520			_aOver-the-counter (OTC) medications play a crucial role in primary healthcare by providing accessible and cost-effective treatment for minor ailments such as fever, cold, headache, allergies, and digestive issues. In India, the widespread availability of OTC drugs has grown significantly, supported by increasing consumer demand, digital penetration, and the expansion of epharmacies. However, this rise has also been accompanied by a concerning trend of misuse and irrational consumption, including inappropriate self-medication, overuse of antibiotics, and drug interactions, often without professional consultation. Key drivers of this misuse include limited access to healthcare professionals, economic constraints, cultural reliance on self-care, and aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies. This review examines the current trends in OTC medication use across India, shedding light on consumer behavior, market dynamics, and regulatory gaps. It also emphasizes the critical public health risks associated with OTC misuse, such as antimicrobial resistance and adverse drug reactions. Importantly, the article underscores the pivotal role pharmacists can play as accessible healthcare providers in promoting rational drug use. Through proper counseling, patient education, and regulation enforcement, pharmacists can act as gatekeepers in curbing misuse and ensuring safe self-medication practices. Strengthening the regulatory framework, enhancing digital surveillance, and empowering pharmacists are recommended strategies to balance accessibility with safety in the growing OTC drug landscape.
654			_a Over-the-counter medications _aSelf-medication _aPharmacist role _aDrug misuse _a Antimicrobial resistance
700			_aAnil Dhakal
773	0		_0125267 _9114071 _dRajasthan Health Education Bureau _tJournal of Hospital Pharmacy _x2348-7704
942			_cJA
999			_c133019 _d133019