Study of the extent of sale of Over The Counter Drugs (OTC) for common ailments also sale of Prescription Only Drugs (POD) without prescription

Abstract- Over the counter sale of drugs has been an open secret and practiced by both pharmacy retailers and consumers without the feeling of guilt, but definitely with unawareness, ignorance and indifference towards hazards of self medication, symptomatic treatment, improper dosages duration of treatment which are going to do a lot of harm to the society in the long run. This study was conducted in three retail pharmacy shops in Saidapet area of Chennai Corporation from 6 to 9 pm for 30 consecutive days. The data collected shows the extent of sale of OTC drugs, common complaints of the general public that make them visit pharmacy, brand names popularity among the customers and retailers.