DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0019

Pages: 732-738

This study analyzes the self medication use in Pune city and also assesses the rationality of self medication. This was a cross sectional study. With the help of semi-structured questionnaire data was collected by II MBBS students for this study. Information about the names of the self medications, diagnosis for the use of self medication, source of information for self medication use and adverse effects reported to self medications was collected. The drugs that are commonly self medicated in Pune city were: analgesics (28.68%), antibiotics (13.18%), vitamins (10.85%) and GIT ailment drugs (14.34). Apart from this, herbal drugs and skin problem drugs are predominantly self medicated in Pune city. Information about the self medication was predominantly obtained from previous prescription of doctors (62.41%) and from chemists (18.99%) and advertisement was 3rd important source of self medication in Pune (9.69%). Antibiotics self medication use was associated 29.41 % ADRs. The adverse effects reported with antibiotic self medications were: vomiting, hyperacidity, diarrhea, headache, confusion. Self medication of antibiotics was taken for less duration of time (average time in this study was less than 3 days.) and in inappropriate doses. 27.03 % adverse effects reported with NSAIDs self medication use. In conclusion, NSAIDs and GIT drugs are commonly self medicated in Pune irrespective of socio-economic / education status. Skin problem and herbal drugs are commonly self medicated in Pune. Self medication of antibiotics is disturbing, as these are liable for drug resistance and ADRs and hence should be taken under supervision only. Strict FDA regulations for dispensing of certain drugs without prescription of RMP may help in decreasing hazards of self medications. Regulation of advertisements may also help in curbing the self medication in urban areas.