EVALUATING THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICATION USE IN GENERAL PRACTICE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT SAFETY AND CLINICAL GUIDANCE

Abstract

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications serve as a convenient and cost-effective means of self-care for managing minor ailments. However, their unsupervised use poses potential risks, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug interactions, and misuse, particularly in populations lacking adequate pharmacological awareness. Despite the growing prevalence of self-medication, limited empirical data exists on the behavioral patterns, awareness levels, and safety outcomes associated with OTC drug use in general practice settings. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the risks and benefits of OTC medication use, assess user awareness regarding safe usage, and explore implications for patient safety and clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 300 participants across diverse demographic backgrounds. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, standard deviation, multiple regression, and visual representations such as histograms and bar charts.Results: Findings revealed that OTC medications are widely used, with an average usage of three times per month. While individuals with higher educational attainment reported increased usage, awareness scores did not significantly correlate with safer usage behavior. Approximately 34% of participants experienced at least one ADR, emphasizing significant patient safety concerns. Gender and age-based trends in usage were observed but not statistically significant. Regression analysis indicated that knowledge alone is not a predictor of safe usage, highlighting behavioral and systemic gaps. Conclusion: OTC medication use remains a double-edged sword, beneficial for healthcare autonomy yet potentially hazardous when misused. The study underscores the need for multifaceted interventions, including public health education, regulatory reforms, digital monitoring.

Keywords: Over-the-counter medication, self-medication, adverse drug reactions, patient safety, public health, pharmacovigilance, general practice.