Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of second year MBBS students about over the counter drugs

Background: The utilization of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among medical students during academic exams has raised concerns about health risks and potential implications. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of OTC drug utilization among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-validated questionnaire. The data obtained was tabulated, analysed and the results were calculated in percentages.150 students had participated in this study of which 100 were selected by simple random sampling. Results: The use of OTC drugs was common amongst undergraduate students. Majority of students (92%) who participated in the study had used OTC drugs at some point in their life. Commonly used OTCs were antacids (73%) and the most common indications for use of OTCs was cough and cold (92%). 87% of students preferred OTC drugs due to ease and convenience while 44% preferred OTC drugs due to lack of time to consult the doctor. Doctors (32.3%) followed by family and friends; textbook/journals were found to be the most common source of information on OTC drugs. Conclusions: A tendency to choose self-medication over doctor’s consultation by most of the undergraduate medical students was consistently seen in the present study. This unrestrained use of OTC drugs certainly possesses several health risks. Awareness should be created among undergraduate medical students to restrict the use of OTC drugs and efforts should be undertaken to increase the sale of drugs without prescription.