Review on OTC products and their effect

Abstract

Our today’s generations can be called as a pill popping generation; even for minor ailments people tend to take medication Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a pre- scription from a healthcare professional, as compared to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription. OTC drugs are selected by a regulatory agency to ensure that they are ingredients that are safe and effective. The OTC scenario is different in different countries. The labeling of OTC products is of much concern and the drug facts label is intended to make it easier for customers to read and understand the safe and effective way of usage of OTC products there is a rapid increase in the number of OTC products in the market. It is necessary to regulate them effectively in order to avoid the adverse effects. Adverse effects are the fourth leading causes of deaths among hospitalized patients. So monitoring of adverse effects is very important. Health care professionals working in the field can report the occurrence of adverse effects in case of the OTC products. In European countries the monitoring of adverse effects in commonly referred to as Pharmacovigilance.