Pattern of prescribed and OTC drugs in north Goa

Abstract

1. Analysis of drugs dispensed in four pharmacies of North Goa reveals that of the total 2456 drugs, 75.45 % were prescribed drugs whereas the remainder 24.55% comprised of OTC drugs. 2. Tonics, antibiotics and analgesics formed the highest percentage of prescribed drugs whereas tonics, analgesics and locally acting drugs formed the higbest percentage among OTC drugs. 3. Brand names were more prevalent than generic names. 4. Many drug combinations fulfilled the criteria of desirable drug interactions. No adverse drug interactions were obvious in any of the prescriptions together with the tendency of limited prescribing.