CHENNAI: With the easy availability of prescription drugs just over the counter (OTC), self-medication is now child’s play. A survey by City Express has exposed the blatant violation of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945 by some pharmacies in the city.Out of the 10 pharmacies that this reporter approached, two were willing to dispense with Schedule H drugs without a medical prescription. While one popular medical outlet on Mada Church Road sold Novalgin, a pain-relief drug, the other outlet at Santhome readily sold Alprazolam, a psychotropic drug which is used to treat anxiety disorders. Interestingly, the outlet at Santhome billed the purchase under the fictitious name “Dr Kathick” for their official record. The flouting of rules by these pharmacists underscores the need for stringent regulation of the sale of prescription drugs.But, blissfully, not all pharmacists are unaware about the legal framework that governs the sale of schedule H drugs. “I have never sell such drugs without a prescription even though others may do so because of ignorance or to make more profit,” said an Adyar-based pharmacist, who did not wish to disclose his name.Medical practitioners feel that the drug abuse is rampant because of the easy availability of prescription drugs as OTC. Dr Isai Mitra, who runs a private clinic in Adyar, said that when patients self-medicate and consume large doses of these prescription drugs without understanding the side effects, they are prone to serious health hazardsTaking a similar stand, Dr S Nambi, senior psychiatrist and former president of Indian Psychiatric Association, said that psychotropic drugs like Alprazolam, which “sell like hot cakes” without any prescription, can also lead to drug dependence. “While Alprazolam is used primarily to relieve anxiety and panic attacks, it is also the most misused drug right now. Some patients get addicted to the quick onset of relief and continue using the drug even after their doctor discontinues the dosage. They become increasingly dependent on it,” he explained.He pointed out that in the long run, the addiction can cause depression, cognitive disturbances and restlessness and affect decision-making. Most importantly, overdose of the psychotropic drug can even cause death. “The misuse of such drugs can only be tackled by increasing awareness among patients, retailers and the general public,” he added.According to the Drug and Cosmetic Rules 1945, substances specified in the Schedule H category cannot be sold by retail without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. But, the warning on the label that specifies the same is seldom a deterrent for pharmacists in the city.
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