AWARENESS, PATTERNS, AND ASSOCIATED RISKS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) DRUG USE IN THE GENERAL POPULATION OF NORTH AMERICA

Background: Over the counter (OTC) medications are widely used across North America, contributing significantly to self-care, public health and for self-treatment among the general population all around the world. Although OTC medications are generally considered safe and effective, they carry risks of misusing of drugs by youth, adverse drug reactions (ADR) by elderly and drug interactions or Fetal risk during pregnancy particularly more in vulnerable populations/areas. This review explores the patterns and behaviors associated with OTC drug use with a focus on population demographics, common product categories, safety concerns with awareness of drug usage risks among the general population mostly highlighting the youth, elderly people and pregnant women’s in the United States and Canada.[2,3] Using publicly available datasets and simulated Power BI visualizations, the analysis highlights key differences in usage trends and identifies potential risks among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and pregnant women. Findings emphasize the need for improved medication literacy, pharmacist involvement, and ongoing monitoring of OTC consumption patterns. Conclusion: While OTC medications support self-care in the USA and Canada, targeted education, pharmacist guidance, and public health interventions are necessary to reduce misuse and ensure safe use, particularly among high-risk groups.