Counselling role of pharmacist for safe and effective use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which offer pharmacological remedies for mild illnesses without a doctor's prescription, are crucial for self-medication and basic healthcare. The pharmacodynamics, therapeutic classifications, dosage guidelines, administration routes, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to popular over-the-counter drug classes are all thoroughly examined in this paper. Drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and the dangers of abuse or toxicity from unsupervised usage are also covered. Through patient education and pharmacovigilance, pharmacists play a critical role in improving treatment outcomes. Even while over-the-counter medications are usually safe when taken as directed, misuse can result in serious systemic problems, treatment failures, or delayed diagnoses. Therefore, to guarantee the sensible and secure use of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, it is essential to incorporate evidence-based guidelines and strong counseling mechanisms.