http://sciensage.info/index.php/JASR/issue/feed 2025-11-13T01:00:57+00:00 Pradeep Tiwari pradeep@mripub.com Open Journal Systems <p><strong>Journal of Advanced Scientific Research (ISSN: 0976-9595) is a peer-reviewed online journal, published&nbsp;Monthly. This Journal publishes original research work, reviews, and short communications that contributes significantly to further the scientific knowledge in the subject areas of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Research, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology,&nbsp; Medicine and applied Biosciences to all the destinations for faster connectivity to respective research, taking due care of speed and pace of knowledge generation.</strong></p> http://sciensage.info/index.php/JASR/article/view/2491 2025-11-13T01:00:57+00:00 Mohammed Jaseem Ibrahim K. jaseemibrahim@gmail.com

<p>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, are widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medicationsfor pain and inflammation. However, their accessibility raises concerns about misuse and adverse effects. This cross-sectional study evaluatedpharmacists’ knowledge, dispensing practices, and challenges regarding OTC NSAIDs in Kerala, India. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 registered pharmacists. Results revealed that only 47% were aware of OTC NSAID guidelines, while 56% provided patientcounselling. Paracetamol was the most frequently dispensed NSAID. Statistical analysis (chi-square, regression) showed no significant associationbetween knowledge and factors like age, experience, or pharmacy type. Key challenges included customer misuse (37%) and insufficientregulatory enforcement. The study highlights critical gaps in pharmacists’ awareness and inconsistent counselling practices, underscoring theneed for enhanced training, standardized guidelines, and stricter OTC regulations. These measures could mitigate risks associated with selfmedicationand improve public health outcomes in Kerala.</p>

2025-10-30T07:02:25+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement##