Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by The Health Master
Therapeutic categories of Drugs
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced new rules that make it possible to buy certain types of medicines without a prescription.
This is the first time such a list has been provided.
The NMC’s guidelines, issued on August 2, state that certain medicines can now be sold without needing a doctor’s prescription.
These types of medicines are known as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
What Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs?
OTC drugs are medications that can be purchased directly from a pharmacy or store without needing a prescription from a doctor.
They are meant for common health issues and are considered safe for use without the supervision of a medical professional.
Which Medicines Are Included in the List?
The NMC’s regulations have specified categories of OTC medicines.
While the list does not provide the names of specific drugs, it outlines the kinds of medicines that fall under the OTC category.
Some of these categories include:
- Anti-hemorrhoid drugs
- Topical antibiotics: Some topical antibiotics are available without a prescription
- Cough suppressants
- Anti-acne drugs
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines: Available OTC or few with prescription from RMP/dentist
- Antiseptics
- Analgesics
- Decongestants: Some require a physician’s prescription but many are OTC products
- Vasodilators: Some vasodilators, such as Minoxidil, are sold without a prescription.
- Antacids and Anti-flatulence Agents
- Expectorants: Many expectorants are available OTC
- Anti-fungal drugs
- Anti-histamines
- Smoking cessation drugs
Why Is This Change Important?
Before these new rules, many medicines could only be bought with a doctor’s prescription.
But now, people can purchase certain medicines without needing to see a doctor first.
This can be helpful for common health issues that don’t require a doctor’s visit.
Things to Be Cautious About
While this change makes buying certain medicines easier, there are some things to be careful about:
1. Misuse of Habit-Forming Drugs:
Some medicines can be habit-forming if not used correctly.
For example, a cough suppressant called Codeine can be misused if not taken properly.
2. Toxicity:
Taking certain medicines without proper guidance can be harmful.
It’s important to know how much to take, when to take it, and if there are any risks.
3. Lack of Guidance:
When buying OTC medicines, there might not be clear instructions on how to use them.
This means you might not know how much to take, when to take it, or if there are any precautions you should follow.
Government’s Role
The government is still working on defining OTC medicines more clearly.
They have received recommendations from a committee, but these recommendations haven’t been fully accepted yet.
In conclusion, these new rules from the NMC allow certain types of medicines to be sold without a prescription.
This can make it easier to get treatment for common health issues.
However, it’s important to use these medicines responsibly and to seek advice from a medical professional if needed.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model, to rewrite and present the news / article in a unique format.
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