Selfmedication

Self-medication refers to the selection, use, and monitoring of medicines by individuals to treat common symptoms or illnesses without seeking professional advice for every decision. It commonly involves nonprescription medicines, as well as certain prescription drugs used without guidance, and culturally traditional or herbal products. It is practiced worldwide and can be appropriate for minor, self-limiting conditions when done safely.

Commonly used items include analgesics and antipyretics, cough and cold preparations, antacids, laxatives, sleep aids, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Availability varies by country, with some medicines sold over the counter and others restricted. Users should read labels, follow dosing instructions, and consider potential interactions, consulting pharmacists or physicians when in doubt.

Benefits may include rapid symptom relief, lower costs, and increased autonomy. Risks include incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in treating serious illness, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, masking of symptoms, inappropriate antibiotic use, and overdose toxicity.

Safe self-medication involves using medicines only for self-limiting conditions, avoiding use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with chronic diseases or on multiple medicines without professional advice. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or present red flags such as high fever, severe pain, chest symptoms, or dehydration, seek medical evaluation. Pharmacists can provide guidance on appropriate choices.