Publication:

Pattern self-medication use of analgesics in Pune, Maharashtra, India

Background Objective of current study was to find out self-medication pattern and to study awareness of ADRs to analgesics self-medication.

Methods II MBBS students collected the information of names of analgesics self-medication, dose, frequency of administration, health related problem for use of self-medication, source of information for the use of self-medication and information about ADRs. Students also educated the population about ADRs to analgesics with the help of ADR checklist.

Results Paracetamol was most commonly taken as self-medication and 39% persons reported ADRs with paracetamol.  Ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol and aspirin were taken less than WHO DDD for joint pain. 79% study population was ignorant about ADRs to analgesics. Headache (37%) was common health related problem for self-medication of analgesics.

Conclusion Information about problems with repeated use of analgesics like liver damage, analgesic nephropathy, gastric ulceration/bleeding should be provided by pharmacists either orally or with the help of leaflets or display board. Headache is common health related problem for the use of analgesics as self-medication. Pharmacists should take help of assistance tool to diagnosis headache like screener for migraine and guidelines for chronic headache for timely visit of self-medicating person to physician.