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@article{190774,
        author = {POOJA AMBADAS PAGARE and Sonali thambe and Rajeshree muke and Rutika more},
        title = {over the counter drugs: Growth, benefits and side effects, RX to OTC switch process, classification, pharmacist role.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {5065-5071},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190774},
        abstract = {Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. People often use them to treat small health problems like headaches, muscle pain, colds, and allergies. This review explains what OTC drugs are, their advantages, and their risks. It also looks at how some medicines move from being prescription-only to OTC, with examples from India and the USA.
OTC drugs save money and time, and they reduce pressure on hospitals and doctors so they can focus on serious illnesses. But if people use them wrongly—such as taking the wrong dose, misusing them, or not knowing enough about them—there can be problems like side effects, drug resistance, or harmful interactions.
The review highlights the need for public awareness and proper guidance to make sure OTC drugs are used safely. Pharmacists play an important role in preventing misuse by counseling patients and spreading awareness. They can also limit supply or mark products as unavailable when needed to stop abuse.},
        keywords = {OTC drugs, self-medication, switching process, side effects, benefits, public health, pharmacists’ role, drug safety.},
        month = {January},
        }