Page 11 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

31/10/2025, 23:40 Community Pharmacy Practice - Course Materials

Common minor ailments

The pharmacists reported that patients most frequently requested assistance for the following self-
care therapeutic areas:

Cough, cold, flu, sore throat
Allergies, sinus problems
Heartburn, indigestion
Constipation, diarrhea, gas
Minor infections
Skin problems
Pain
Dietary supplements

Prescription-to-Nonprescription Switch?

"Among the first products to be switched to nonprescription status was ibuprofen for the
treatment of pain in 1984."
Some nonprescription medications are also available as prescription drugs (diff dose or dosage
form) e.g. ?
Why shift (safe-efficacy)..generics, self treatment condition
Another imp ex: Nicotine replacement therapy so it allowed better use

Options for self medications

1. Non prescription drugs
2. Nutritional dietary supplements (courses??)
3. Natural products (in all topics we discuss) and homeopathic remedies (search-bonus)

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