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Over-the-counter medications and self-care
1Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, USA.
The Nurse Practitioner
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available, contributing significantly to healthcare savings. Understanding OTC drug approval and patient usage is crucial for healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Over 100,000 over-the-counter (OTC) products are readily available in various retail outlets.
- The OTC market generated an estimated $20.6 billion in healthcare savings in 1997.
- Self-care with OTC medications is a prevalent patient behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval process for OTC drugs.
- To review current trends and issues concerning OTC medication self-care.
- To highlight the implications of OTC use for primary care providers.
Main Methods:
- Review of FDA drug approval pathways for OTC status.
- Analysis of trends in OTC medication use, cost-effectiveness, and advertising.
- Discussion of safety considerations and managed care impacts.
Main Results:
- The FDA employs specific methods for approving drugs for OTC availability.
- Key issues include cost-effectiveness, advertising, and patient safety.
- OTC medication use presents significant implications for primary care.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must recognize OTC use as a common self-care practice.
- Gathering information on patient OTC medication use during history taking is essential.
- Understanding OTC drug utilization is vital for effective primary care.