The effects of trade names on the misuse of some over-the-counter drugs

Pharmacy Practice

  • Luai Z. Hasoun1Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman-19328, Jordan.
  • Heba A. Khader2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
  • Ahmad R. Alsayed3Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan.
  • Mariam I Shaqfeh4Department of Pathology Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Jordan.
  • Anas Samara5Department of Software Engineering, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine.
  • Malek A. Zihlif6Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3413

Abstract

Self-medication and healthcare accessibility depend on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; nonetheless, their abuse seriously compromises health. The components causing over-the-counter drug abuse—including analgesics including ibuprofen, diclofenac, and acetaminophen—are investigated in this paper. Lack of knowledge of suitable dosages, self-medication practices, and brand names causes confusion which results in negative health effects including gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular problems. Because of increased self-medication and false information, the COVID-19 outbreak worsened the abuse of over-the-counter medications. The study highlights the need of patient education, legislative actions, and pharmacist participation to reduce the risks by defining the variations among misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction. Advocacy for safe and moral use of over-the-counter drugs depends on an all-encompassing approach including legislators, doctors, and public awareness campaigns.

Keywords

  • OTC drugs
  • self-medication
  • drug abuse
  • patient education
  • COVID-19
  • adverse health effects
  • pharmacist involvement
Pharmacy Practice

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