Pros And Cons Of Self-Medication

Self-care can be defined as primary health resource in health care system. It involves the health activity, health decision of individual and include self medication, self-treatment , social support in illness and first aid in everyday life 12. Now a day there is a increasing trend for self medication in developing countries. Craving for medicines and self-medication has been part of mankind from one generation to another. People had a concept of medicine should be used of any sickness or any sort of discomfort. The relevant awareness about significance of responsible disposing left over medicines or discontinued lack in our population and the antibiotics are commonly used by self-medication when symptoms chronic infection (Gingivitis, Tonsilitis) 6. According to World Health Organization (WHO) states that Self-medication as the use of drugs to treat self diagnosed disorder, symptoms, the intermittent, continued use of prescribed drugs

There are several pros and cons regarding self-medication practice which has a big impact on our health. Potential benefits for self-medication among them include OTC (Over the counter) drug availaibility for public which enable to take responsibility and confidence to manage health. Furthermore it is convenient to access treat and save time spent in waiting to see physicans 7.According to WHO the fact is that lower earning level of population pushing towards acceptance of more and more cheap method of health care services people cannot afford fee of phyiscians. So people prefer Allopathic system over Homeopathic due to accessibility in clinic, Pharmacy, superstore and purchase without prescription is a common practice 5. The most commonly used self-medication OTC drug are analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics, cough and cold remedies and supplements which are frequently obtained from pharmacies and easy to access