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Self-medication: A current challenge
1Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Siddhartha Dental College and Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka, India.
Abstract:
Self-medication is a global phenomenon and potential contributor to human pathogen resistance to antibiotics. The adverse consequences of such practices should always be emphasized to the community and steps to curb it. Rampant irrational use of antimicrobials without medical guidance may result in greater probability of inappropriate, incorrect, or undue therapy, missed diagnosis, delays in appropriate treatment, pathogen resistance and increased morbidity. This review focused on the self-medication of allopathic drugs, their use, its safety and reason for using it. It would be safe, if the people who are using it, have sufficient knowledge about its dose, time of intake, side effect on over dose, but due to lack of information it can cause serious effects such as antibiotic resistance, skin problem, hypersensitivity and allergy. There is need to augment awareness and implement legislations to promote judicious and safe practices. Improved knowledge and understanding about self-medication may result in rationale use and thus limit emerging microbial resistance issues. Articles which were published in peer reviewed journals, World Self-Medication Industry and World Health Organization websites relating to self-medication reviewed.
Insights
Self-medication with antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Increased community awareness and stricter regulations are crucial to promote safe and rational drug use, preventing serious health consequences.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Public Health
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Background:
- Self-medication is a widespread global practice with significant public health implications.
- The irrational use of antimicrobials without professional guidance is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance.
- Consequences include inappropriate therapy, delayed diagnosis, increased morbidity, and the emergence of resistant pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the practice of self-medication with allopathic drugs.
- To examine the safety, usage patterns, and reasons behind self-medication.
- To highlight the link between self-medication and the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
- Inclusion of data from World Self-Medication Industry and World Health Organization websites.
- Focus on literature relating to the self-medication of allopathic drugs and its consequences.
Main Results:
- Lack of adequate knowledge regarding dosage, timing, and side effects of drugs contributes to unsafe self-medication.
- Potential adverse effects include antibiotic resistance, skin problems, hypersensitivity, and allergic reactions.
- Self-medication practices, especially with antimicrobials, significantly increase the risk of developing resistant infections.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to enhance public awareness regarding the risks associated with self-medication.
- Implementation of robust legislation is necessary to ensure judicious and safe medication practices.
- Improved understanding and knowledge can lead to more rational drug use, thereby mitigating antimicrobial resistance.