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The effects of trade names on the misuse of some over-the-counter drugs

Luai Z. Hasoun1, Heba A. Khader2, Ahmad R. Alsayed3★, Mariam I Shaqfeh4, Anas Samara5, Malek A. Zihlif6★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman-19328, Jordan.
  2. 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
  3. 3Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan.
  4. 4Department of Pathology Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Jordan.
  5. 5Department of Software Engineering, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine.
  6. 6Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

CORRESPONDENCE

Ahmad R. Alsayed

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan.

a.alsayed.phd@gmail.com

Received: 20-03-2026; Accepted: 27-05-2026.

Volume 24, Issue 3 · pp. 3413 · PUBLISHED Jul-Sep 2026 · DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3413

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ABSTRACT

Self-medication and healthcare accessibility depend on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; nonetheless, their abuse seriously compromises health. The components causing over-the-counter drug abuse—including analgesics including ibuprofen, diclofenac, and acetaminophen—are investigated in this paper. Lack of knowledge of suitable dosages, self-medication practices, and brand names causes confusion which results in negative health effects including gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular problems. Because of increased self-medication and false information, the COVID-19 outbreak worsened the abuse of over-the-counter medications. The study highlights the need of patient education, legislative actions, and pharmacist participation to reduce the risks by defining the variations among misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction. Advocacy for safe and moral use of over-the-counter drugs depends on an all-encompassing approach including legislators, doctors, and public awareness campaigns.

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    Hasoun, L. Z., Khader, H. A., Alsayed, A. R., Shaqfeh, M. I., Samara, A., & Zihlif, M. A. (2026). The effects of trade names on the misuse of some over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacy Practice, 24(3), 3413. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3413