ABSTRACT

Over the Counter (OTC) drugs are the drugs that are easily accessible from pharmacies without any prescription from a physician. These drugs are safe for short term use and effective for minor common diseases. The advice of a pharmacist is sufficient to use OTC drugs or as directed on the label. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines OTC drugs as safe and effective when used according to the label instructions and without a prescription, also when used in compliance with a health professional advice if necessary. This study aims to enlighten possible OTC drug regulations in Turkey during the harmonization period with European Union. Also the regulations in some European countries are investigated. It is aimed to determine attitude, behaviors and opinions of senior executives and mid-level managers and community pharmacists on OTC regulations. The design of this study is a voluntary survey. To collect the data for this study, a cross-sectional survey was carried out. Two different questionnaires were conducted to the community pharmacists in Ankara, and pharmaceutical companies in Turkey. According to the results, the employees of the pharmaceutical companies in Turkey have a more positive approach to the OTC regulations than the community pharmacists. International companies are inclined to that view than national companies.