A Study on the Dispensing Pattern of OTC Medications in Community Pharmacies: Generic versus Non-Generic drugs

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs are legally allowed to be sold 'Over the Counter' without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner (RMP). The study aimed to assess the drug dispensing pattern of the commonly dispensed category of OTC drugs, understand the patient's knowledge using a self-designed questionnaire and to compare the cost-effectiveness based on the unit price of drugs between generic and non-generic drugs. A prospective observational study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 in randomly selected licensed community pharmacies in Banashankari, Bengaluru (3 private pharmacies and 1 government-sponsored pharmacy). Data collected was documented and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Z test. 59.33% (non-generic) & 24.67% (generic) pharmacists had collected the clinical history before dispensing the drugs. Non-generic pharmacists (62.00%) provided adequate information about the dispensed drug than generic pharmacists (30.00%). The frequently dispensed OTC drugs were analgesics and antipyretics and commonly reported illness was a pain. Consumers had an opinion that the usage of OTC drugs was safe and was not aware of the side effects. Patient counselling was given to 82% of the consumers in generic and 43% in non-generic pharmacies regarding their health issue and medications. Generic drugs were more cost-effective than non-generic drugs.