Self-Medicated Over the Counter Ophthalmic Solutions in Central Bangkok
Pakitti Tayanithi MD*, Pornanong Aramwit PharmD, PhD**
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University & Hospital ** Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University & Hospital
Background : There is a paucity of research about patients’ attitudes, motivations and expectations towards
self-medicated over the counter (OTC) ophthalmic solutions.
Objectives : To identify the attitudes, motivations and expectations of general population towards self-medi-
cated OTC ophthalmic solutions.
Materials and Methods : 200 consecutive participants who were studying or lived in Patumwan District of
Bangkok filled in a questionnaire in a 3-months period.
Results : 67.5% (135/200) of the participants had an age range of 15-24 years old and 32.5% (65/200) were
between 25-35 years old. Participants who were university graduates and currently university students were
53% and 35.5% respectively. Most history of illness was allergy (10/200). Half of the participants had normal
vision and 40% (80/200) were near-sighted. The factor that most influenced the use of solution was dust in the
eye (55%-111/200). Ocular allergic symptoms, such as eye itching, irritation and tearing, was the second. The
most frequent symptom that induced the use of solutions was eye itching and irritation (48.5%-97/200). The
symptom of red or pink eye was the second (33%-66/200). 48.5% (97/200) and 53.50% (107/200) of partici-
pants started using the solution at the time the influencing symptoms occurred and used for one day respec-
tively. 46.5% (93/200) of the participants realized that the solution could be use only within 1 month after
opening.
Conclusion : From the data of this survey, more information and knowledge about the use of OTC products
needs to be campaigned, even among highly educated citizens in the center of Bangkok. Better information for
patients could improve the safety of OTC medicines. The ways of advising patients need to be found. The
uncertainty is, therefore, how far this trend will go and how health care professionals and consumers will
respond.
Keywords : Ophthalmic, Solution, Over the counter, Self-medicated
