Over-the-Counter Medicines in India: What to Know Before Self-Medicating
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs available without a prescription. While they are generally safe when used correctly, misuse and overuse are significant problems in India. This guide helps you use OTC medicines responsibly and know when to seek medical advice.
Common OTC Medicines Available in India
Pain and Fever Relief
- Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo, Calpol): Safest OTC painkiller for most people. Dose: 500mg–1g every 4–6 hours, max 4g per day. Do not exceed dose — paracetamol overdose causes serious liver damage.
- Ibuprofen (Brufen, Combiflam’s ibuprofen component): Anti-inflammatory. Useful for pain with inflammation. Avoid on empty stomach, in kidney disease, or if on blood thinners.
- Aspirin: Avoid in children under 16 (risk of Reye’s syndrome). Useful for adults at low dose for heart protection — but only on doctor’s advice.
Antacids and Digestive Medicines
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene, Eno): Neutralise stomach acid for immediate heartburn relief. Don’t use more than 2 weeks without medical advice.
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts): Essential for dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting. WHO-formula ORS is available at all pharmacies.
- Loperamide (Imodium): Reduces diarrhoea frequency. Do not use in children under 2 or in bloody/fever-associated diarrhoea.
Cold and Allergy Medicines
- Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine: Non-drowsy antihistamines for allergies, hay fever, hives
- Chlorpheniramine (CTM): Older antihistamine — effective but causes drowsiness. Avoid driving.
- Nasal saline sprays: Safe for all ages to relieve nasal congestion
Skin and Eye Preparations
- Clotrimazole cream: Antifungal for ringworm, athlete’s foot
- Betadine (Povidone-iodine): Antiseptic for minor cuts and wounds
- Artificial tears (eye drops): For dry eye relief — safe for regular use
OTC Medicines That Are Often Misused in India
Certain medicines are technically prescription-only but are frequently dispensed without prescriptions at Indian pharmacies:
- Antibiotics: Must only be taken with a prescription and for the full prescribed course
- Steroid creams: Potent steroids like betamethasone/clobetasol are often used without guidance — can cause permanent skin thinning
- Sleeping tablets: Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs require prescriptions; habit-forming
- Combination cough syrups: Some contain codeine (a controlled substance) — should require prescription
When NOT to Self-Medicate — See a Doctor Immediately
- Fever above 103°F or lasting more than 3 days
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing
- Severe headache described as “worst ever”
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Symptoms in children under 6 months
- Symptoms that don’t improve after 3–5 days of OTC treatment
- Any symptoms in pregnancy without medical advice
Safe Medication Practices
- Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) inside the medicine box
- Never exceed the recommended dose
- Avoid taking multiple medicines with the same active ingredient simultaneously
- Be aware of alcohol interactions (especially with antihistamines, pain medicines)
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any OTC medicine
Ask Our Pharmacists at Dashvanth Healthcare
When in doubt, our qualified pharmacists can guide you on the appropriate OTC medicine for your symptoms, correct dosing, and when a doctor’s consultation is necessary. Self-medication is never a substitute for professional medical advice.
