What is the Over-the-Counter Medicine Service?

Definition: A service where pharmacies provide non-prescription medications for minor ailments and health concerns.

• Pharmacist Support: Pharmacists can recommend suitable treatments, provide advice on dosage and usage, and identify when a condition requires further medical attention.

• Convenience: Medications are available without the need for a GP appointment, saving time and reducing pressure on healthcare services.

Common Conditions Treated with OTC Medicines

Pharmacies can provide OTC medications for a wide range of minor health issues, including:

1. Pain Relief

• Medications: Paracetamol. Ibuprofen. Aspirin.

• Topical pain relief gels (e.g., Voltarol, Deep Heat).

• Conditions Treated: Headaches, migraines, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, and period pain.

2. Colds, Flu, and Allergies

• Medications: Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, nasal sprays like Otrivine).

• Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine).

• Cough syrups (e.g., Benylin, Robitussin).

• Lozenges and throat sprays (e.g., Strepsils, Difflam).

• Conditions Treated: Coughs, colds, sore throats, nasal congestion, hay fever, and other allergies.

3. Digestive Issues

• Medications: Antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Rennie).

• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, available OTC in some countries).

• Laxatives (e.g., Senna, Dulcolax, Lactulose).

• Anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide/Imodium).

• Rehydration salts (e.g., Dioralyte).

• Conditions Treated: Heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

4. Skin Conditions

• Medications: Antifungal creams (e.g., Canesten for thrush, athlete’s foot).

• Hydrocortisone cream (for mild eczema or dermatitis).

• Antiseptic creams (e.g., Savlon, Sudocrem).

• Acne treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid).

• Cold sore treatments (e.g., Zovirax).

• Conditions Treated: Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, acne, insect bites, and minor cuts or burns.

5. Eye and Ear Care

• Medications: Lubricating eye drops (e.g., artificial tears for dry eyes).

• Antihistamine eye drops (e.g., Opticrom for hay fever).

• Earwax removal drops (e.g., Otex, olive oil drops).

• Antibiotic-free eye drops for minor infections (e.g., Golden Eye for conjunctivitis).

• Conditions Treated: Dry eyes, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and earwax buildup.

6. Stomach and Bowel Issues

• Medications: Antispasmodics (e.g., Buscopan for IBS).

• Anti-nausea remedies (e.g., ginger tablets, Pepto-Bismol).

• Conditions Treated: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and upset stomach.

7. Women’s Health

• Medications: Thrush treatments (e.g., Canesten cream or pessaries).

• Emergency contraception (e.g., Levonelle, ellaOne).

• Pain relief for period pain (e.g., Feminax).

• Conditions Treated: Vaginal thrush, period pain, and emergency contraception needs.

8. Men’s Health

• Medications: Erectile dysfunction treatments (e.g., Sildenafil, Viagra Connect).

• Hair loss treatments (e.g., Regaine/Minoxidil).

• Conditions Treated: Erectile dysfunction and male pattern baldness.

9. Smoking Cessation

• Medications: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products (e.g., patches, gum, lozenges, sprays).

• Conditions Treated: Support for quitting smoking.

10. Sleep and Stress

• Medications: Sleep aids (e.g., Nytol, herbal remedies like valerian root).

• Stress relief products (e.g., Kalms, Rescue Remedy).

• Conditions Treated: Insomnia, mild anxiety, and stress.

11. Travel Health

• Medications: Antimalarials (in some pharmacies).

• Motion sickness tablets (e.g., Kwells, Stugeron).

• Diarrhea relief (e.g., loperamide).

• Conditions Treated: Travel sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, and malaria prevention.

How the Service Works

1. Consultation: Patients can speak to a pharmacist about their symptoms.

2. Pharmacists assess the condition and recommend suitable OTC medications.

3. Medication Advice: Pharmacists provide guidance on how to use the medication, potential side effects, and interactions with other medicines.

4. Referral: If the condition is serious or requires further investigation, the pharmacist may refer the patient to a GP or specialist.

Benefits of the OTC Medicine Service

• Convenience: No appointment needed; walk-in service available.

• Cost-Effective: Many OTC medications are affordable and readily available.

• Professional Advice: Pharmacists are trained to provide expert guidance on minor ailments.

• Quick Access: Immediate treatment for common conditions without waiting for a GP.

Limitations

• OTC medications are suitable for minor conditions only.

• Some conditions may require a prescription or further medical evaluation.

• Pharmacists cannot diagnose complex conditions but can provide initial advice and referrals.