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Cited by 29Pharmaceutical Economics and PolicyPharmacy and Medical PracticesHealthcare Regulation

Regulatory, safety and economic considerations of over-the-counter medicines in the Indian population

Open access
Narang, Prashant, Garg, Vandana, Sharma, Atul·2023·Discover Health Systems
DOI 10.1007/s44250-023-00032-yPMC PMC10201516
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Abstract

Background and purpose of review: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication has been an integral component of an established health care system but their easy accessibility might pose significant risks. This review has attempted to highlight the present scenario of OTC utilization in India, regarding standard practices followed globally. An attempt has also been made to highlight the lifecycle of a prescription and OTC medicine and the benefits and regulatory process involved in the prescription-to-OTC switch. Findings: A paradigm shift has been observed in self-medication practice with OTC medicines in recent times and has become a widespread practice worldwide. Numerous key drivers, such as increasing consumer awareness, broader consumer access to essential medication, and socio-economic benefits to the public health care system, have advocated this practice. On the other hand, self-medication using OTC is also inextricably linked with inevitable risks such as excessive drug dosage, polypharmacy, drug abuse, and drug interactions. Nevertheless, these issues could be further regulated by employing a defined OTC framework. The government of India has recognized the utmost need to develop a robust policy framework for the effective utilization of OTC drugs. Also, various initiatives toward modifying existing laws or developing new OTC drug policies has been taken. Conclusion: Prioritizing the utmost safety of the consumers and evident need of strong regulatory framework with respect to OTC drugs, the term “OTC” has been recommended as a distinct category of drugs by Government of India. This review has highlighted various factors that can play an essential role in OTC utilization and can be considered during policy reformation.

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  • Discrepancies in self-medication prevalence arise from cultural norms, socioeconomic status, healthcare infrastructure, and variations in OTC drug regulation and usage.

    “Discrepancies in self-medication prevalence arise from cultural norms, socioeconomic status, healthcare infrastructure, and variations in OTC drug regulation and usage.4,17”

    From Prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [4]

    The Introduction (page unavailable) reports that self-medication prevalence varies by country and population and identifies healthcare costs and pharmacy access as drivers. The paper also discusses socioeconomic factors and differences in OTC regulation, but it does not establish that cultural norms or regulatory differences cause the reported prevalence discrepancies. (LLM, conf=0.84)

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  • The rapid growth of social media and online information sources in recent years and the easy accessibility of health-related content on the internet have influenced many individuals to seek advice online rather than consulting healthcare professionals.

    “Additionally, with the rapid growth of social media and online information sources in recent years, the easy accessibility of health-related content on the internet has influenced many individuals to seek advice online rather than consulting healthcare professionals.2,4”

    From Prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [4]

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Research works printed but not linked: 25

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Narang, P., Garg, V., & Sharma, A.
Corresponding author
Narang, Prashant
ORCID
Venue
Discover Health Systems
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2023-05-22
Volume
2
Issue
1
Pages
17-17
ISSN
2731-7501 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1007/s44250-023-00032-y
PMC
PMC10201516
OpenAlex
W4377292400
Cited by
29
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 9
FWCI
1.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Discover Health Systems (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Pharmacy and Medical Practices
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Healthcare Regulation
Keywords
over-the-counter drugs, self-medication, drug policy, drug safety, polypharmacy, drug interactions, drug abuse, regulatory framework

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