Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: A large number of pharmaceuticals and health care products are used every year for diagnosis, treatment, or prophylaxis of health conditions. The present study evaluated knowledge and practice of disposal of leftover and expired medicine among medical students. Materials & Methods: 126 medical students of both genders were provided with a questionnaire which comprised of number of leftover drugs, reasons for leftover, most common class of leftover drugs and dosage form etc. and responses were recorded. Results: 52%check the expiry date of medicine before procuring, 20% no and 28% don’t know. 55% donate to hospital, 20% throw away in household garbage, 11% return to medical store and 14% give to friends or relatives. In response to what to do with expired medicine, 40% give to friends or relatives, 24% flush in toilet or sink, 18% throw away in household garbage and 18% return to medical store. 20% pharmacist, 55% ministry of health 5% general public and 20% pharmaceutical industry was responsible for creating awareness of the proper disposal of unused and expired medicine. 85% responded that improper disposal of unused and expired medicine can affect the environment and health. Conclusion: Knowledge about the disposal of leftover and expired medicine among medical students found to be insufficient.