ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SELF - MEDICATION AMONG DOWNTOWN URBAN POPULATION OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the adverse effects of self - medication among downtown urban population of Karachi, Pakistan METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted among 2626 participants using random sampling, in a time spend of 2 years from 2013 to 2015. A detailed questionnaire was design to collect data from urban population of a downtown area of Karachi. RESULT: The data showed that 27.5% participants involved in self - medication experienced some acute or chronic problem. Around 7.62% participants reported dryness of mouth who were mostly on anti - histamines, anti - hypertensive and sedatives. 19% of them gave history o f having nausea and vomiting while taking NSAIDS like Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc. 8% of them taking NSAIDS, aspirin gave history of epigastric pain. 28% participants taking different medicines for pain (backache and joint pain) reported acidity/gastritis. 20% participants reported diarrhea when they use antibiotics, antacids, omeprazole, naproxen and Ibuprofen. 12% participants who were on antibiotics plus aspirin, Ibuprofen and naproxen reported skin rashes. 2.4% participants gave history of swelling and edem a especially on face who took aspirin products. 0.8% participants reported anaphylactic response who were on barbiturate, penicillin or sulfa drugs. Participants who were self - medicating for a longer time period i.e. from 2 months to 2 years were also eval uated for chronic effects. 33% of the participants with slurred speech were on Ativan, Valium, Diazepam, Barbiturate Xanax, Alprazolam. 10% participants who were taking anabolic steroids and Paracetamol complained of right hypochondrial pain, and hepatotox icity. Skin rashes were reported by 17% participants who were on aspirin, codeine, sleeping preparations and antibiotics. Impotence was reported by 10% participants who were on anti - hypertensive (nifedipine, atenolol), anti - depressants like Valium and Ativ an, NSAIDS like Naproxen, anti histamine like Phenergan and Benadryl. 22% reported psychological dependence who were taking Amphetamines, Valium, Ativan, Xanax and Barbiturates. Major share is contributed by Xanax. 8% participants complained physical depen dence who were Barbiturates and Anabolic Steroids. In conclusion around one fourth of the participants reported acute and/or chronic effects of self - medication which is an alarm for health departments. There is a need to expand the study in all areas of Pa kistan to get the prevalence which will help to make policies for immediate action.