Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of the Public Toward OTC Medications Across a South Indian City: Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Introduction Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely used for self-care without a prescription. With the growing availability of potent drugs in community pharmacies, it is essential to assess public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to ensure their safe and responsible use. Aim To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general public regarding the use of OTC medications, and to determine their association with sociodemographic variables such as education level and socioeconomic status. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 individuals visiting community pharmacies in a South Indian city. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sources and reasons for self-medication, interactions with pharmacists, and perceptions of OTC medicines regarding safety, potency, and effectiveness. Results Approximately 32.2% of participants reported relying on pharmacies for information regarding OTC medications. Around 37.8% believed that prolonged use of certain nonprescription drugs could result in dependency or addiction. Statistically significant differences were observed across socioeconomic groups regarding awareness of the risk of frequent buying ( p = .001), appropriate response when symptoms do not improve ( p = .001), and the importance of informing physicians about OTC drug use ( p = .001). Conclusion These findings highlight substantial gaps in public awareness regarding the safety, cost-effectiveness, and responsible use of OTC medications. Providing targeted education to both the public and pharmacists is crucial for promoting safer self-medication and minimizing potential harm.