OVERVIEW ON OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS: COMPARISION BETWEEN GENERIC AND BRANDED DRUGS IN INDIA

Priyanka Narendra Warambhe*, Dr. Suhas Padmane and Dr. Sheelpriya Walde

ABSTRACT

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in self-medication with non- prescription drugs, sometimes referred to as over- the- counter (OTC) medicines available in pharmacies and retail outlets. Self medication also has advantages for healthcare systems as it facilitates better use of clinical skills of pharmacists, increases access to medication and may contribute to reducing prescribed drug costs associated with publicly funded health programmes. The present study was conducted to compare the quality and price of generic drug product to their expansive popular brands (branded) product manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company in India.

Keywords: Over the counter medicines, generics, brands, prescription.