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Systematic review highlights gaps in OTC drug knowledge among populations, suggesting pharmacist intervention is needed.
The increasing reliance on over-the-counter (OTC) medications for self-treatment represents a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries. While OTC drugs offer rapid symptom relief and help reduce the burden on healthcare systems, inappropriate self-medication can lead to adverse drug reactions, drug resistance, and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to OTC drug use among the general population, drawing insights from cross-sectional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, India, Libya, the UAE, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The review also examines the potential role of pharmacist-led educational interventions in promoting safe medication practices. Eligible cross-sectional studies were identified, and key data were extracted and synthesized narratively to identify trends, common findings, and areas for targeted intervention. Findings consistently reveal widespread gaps in knowledge, misconceptions, and unsafe practices regarding OTC medications. These results underscore the urgent need for structured, pharmacist-led educational initiatives to improve responsible self-medication. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to enhance medication literacy, mitigate risks associated with OTC drug use, and provide valuable support in regions with limited access to formal healthcare services.
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P et al. (2025) studied this question.
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