The patient, the OTC drug, and the pharmacist – an (in)separable triad? A critical analysis of self-medication

Abstract

Self-medication can be defined as the use of over-the-counter medications, released at the patient’s request. In order to be effective and to reduce the risk of side effects and iatrogenic accidents, their release should be accompanied by specialist advice, which is the prerogative of the pharmacist. Thus, self-medication requires a drug-patient-pharmacist relationship. This paper highlights some practical aspects of OTC medication. We also present some particular cases of medicines released under the OTC regime, but also of medicines that currently require a prescription, although they were initially released on request.