Self-Medication: A survey of nonprescription drug use

A sample of adults (n = 148) which reflected age, gender, and race characteristics of the 1980 U.S. Census was surveyed on the incidence of obtaining over the counter (OTC) drugs during the previous year and the nature of the drugs used. Most (78%) reported obtaining OTC drugs, and of 15 categories, headache or pain remedies, cold or flu remedies, and vitamins were most frequently (>50%) reported as used. No gender or race effects were found for obtaining OTC drugs or for the nature of OTC drugs used. Identified patterns of OTC drug use were related to previous research and have implications for drug development, health care, and marketing concerns. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.