Self-Care and Non-Prescription Drugs

Self-care is the independent act of preventing, diagnosing, and treating one'92s own health conditions without seeking medical advice. This practice includes, but is not limited to, general care measures and dispensing of nonprescription drugs. This course is designed to prepare future pharmacists to assess whether patients are candidates for self-care and to recommend appropriate self-care measures for commonly encountered self-manageable conditions. The students will learn how to assess, manage and recommend over-the-counter OTC medications or natural medicines for the following common complaints/disorders: cough, common cold, pain, allergic rhinitis, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, muscle injury, dermatologic disorders (acne, insect bites, and sunburn), wound care, and many others. Students will apply the concepts acquired from this course to different courses such as integrated pharmacotherapy '93case-based seminars'94 and patient care and health system management laboratory courses.