Knowledge attitude and practice regarding “over the counter” prescription of topical eye steroid among the pharmacists/medical shopkeepers

Abstract

Purpose: Aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice among the pharmacists/medical shopkeepers regarding “over the counter” prescription of topical eye steroid. Method: It is a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study, carried out among 60 pharmacists/pharmacy shopkeepers. Result: Out of 60 participants, 40% had been sensitized regarding topical steroid misuse. 16% had seen complications following OTC dispensing, and 83% had never seen complications following OTC dispensing of medications. 50% were of the opinion of banning the OTC dispensing of ocular medications, 41.6% were against it, and 8.33% were of no opinion. Conclusion: Doctors and pharmacists play a crucial role regarding spreading awareness of self-medication. Government should take proper initiative in educating patients to discourage the unethical and irrational dispensing of medicine by pharmacists.

Keywords

• over the counter
• pharmacist
• registered medical practitioner
• shopkeeper