Covid medicine over the counter
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Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Medications: Efficacy and Misuse
Famotidine as a Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Histamine Receptor Antagonists and COVID-19
Famotidine, an over-the-counter histamine H2 receptor antagonist, has been investigated for its potential benefits in treating COVID-19. Initial observations suggested that famotidine might help manage COVID-19 symptoms, leading to clinical trials to explore its efficacy further. While bioinformatics and drug repurposing studies indicated that H1 and H2 receptor antagonists could interact with key viral enzymes, in vitro studies have not shown direct inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by famotidine. The positive effects observed may be due to its immunomodulatory actions rather than direct antiviral activity1.
Case Series on Famotidine Use
A case series involving non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients who self-administered high-dose famotidine reported significant improvements in symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and anosmia. The most common regimen was 80 mg three times daily, and the treatment was well tolerated. These findings suggest that famotidine could be beneficial in managing COVID-19 symptoms, although more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these results9.
Misuse and Abuse of Over-the-Counter Medications During the Pandemic
Increased OTC Medication Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable increase in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In Lithuania, for example, there was a significant rise in the use of nonprescription anxiolytics among medical students, driven by increased anxiety and insomnia during the pandemic. This trend highlights the growing reliance on self-medication and the need for better mental health support and telemedicine options5.
Patterns of OTC Medication Sales
In Sweden, there was a marked increase in the sales of OTC medications, including vitamins, antipyretics, painkillers, and cold preparations, during the early stages of the pandemic. This surge was attributed to stockpiling behavior rather than an increase in new users. The volume of OTC sales peaked in mid-March 2020, reflecting public anxiety and the anticipation of supply shortages7.
Internet Searches for OTC Analgesics
In Italy, the volume of Google searches for common OTC analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen spiked during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. This trend mirrored the increase in new COVID-19 cases, suggesting that people were actively seeking information on self-medication options to manage symptoms6.
Addressing OTC Medication Misuse
Substance Misuse Services
Research conducted in England during the pandemic revealed that misuse of OTC and prescription-only medications (POM) was prevalent among individuals accessing substance misuse services. The study found significant associations between the misuse of medications like codeine and benzodiazepines and changes in access to these drugs during the pandemic. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and harm reduction strategies in substance misuse services3 8.
Strategies for Reducing Misuse
To mitigate the misuse of OTC medications, it is crucial to implement strategies such as better education and training for healthcare providers, liberalization of dispensing arrangements, and enhanced access to mental health support. These measures can help address the underlying causes of medication misuse and ensure safer use of OTC drugs2 4.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the use and misuse of over-the-counter medications. While some OTC drugs like famotidine show promise in managing COVID-19 symptoms, the increased reliance on self-medication and the potential for misuse highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure safe and effective use. Enhanced education, better access to healthcare, and vigilant monitoring are essential to address these challenges and improve public health outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Histamine receptors and COVID-19
Famotidine may help treat COVID-19 inflammation through H2 receptor-mediated immunomodulatory actions on mast cell histamine-cytokine cross-talk, rather than directly inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Systematic ReviewThe Abuse and Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medicines During COVID-19
COVID-19 is expected to escalate over-the-counter medicine abuse and misuse, and strategies for reducing these occurrences should be implemented by pharmacy practitioners and healthcare managers.
Exploring Over the Counter and Prescription Only Medication misuse amongst adults accessing specialist treatment services: A survey during COVID-19
OTC/POM misuse is prevalent among adults accessing substance misuse services, with polypharmacy being a concern, and more training and education for primary care professionals is needed.
Observational StudyPrescription, over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, and other treatments and preventive uses for COVID-19
This paper evaluates prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal treatments for COVID-19, highlighting the need for effective and safe medication use and addressing health literacy issues.
Over-the-counter Medication Use during Pandemic: Lessons Learned from Covid-19 in Lithuania
During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and insomnia prevalence among Lithuanian medical students increased, with increased use of anxiolytic nonprescription medications and increased self-medication.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalInternet Searches for Over-the-Counter Analgesics During the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak in Italy
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Google searches for over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen significantly increased, with a significant correlation found between new weekly diagnoses and search volume.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalPatterns of prescription dispensation and over-the-counter medication sales in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden experienced significant changes in prescription medication dispensing and OTC drug sales, suggesting stockpiling behavior over a surge in new users.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalSurveying Over the Counter and Prescription Only Medication Misuse in Treatment Services During COVID-19
During COVID-19, OTC/POM misuse, polypharmacy, and concomitant use of other substances occurred in adults accessing substance misuse services.
Observational StudyFamotidine use and quantitative symptom tracking for COVID-19 in non-hospitalised patients: a case series
High-dose oral famotidine is well-tolerated and associated with improved patient-reported outcomes in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal
Highly CitedChinese Patent Medicines in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China
Chinese Patent Medicines (CPMs) show good therapeutic efficacy in treating COVID-19 in China, with minimal adverse reactions.
Systematic Review