Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The practice of self-medication and the irrational use of drugs is a major public health concern. The present study was conducted to assess pattern of self- medication among children. Materials & Methods: 120 children age ranged 12- 16 years were included. Duration of self-medication, recovery related question and general perception of participants about child self-medication was recorded. Results: Out of 120 children, boys were 70 and girls were 50. Preferred therapy was allopathy in 55, homoeopathy in 20, home remedies in 15, herbal in 18 and combination therapy in 12. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Commonly used drugs were antipyretics in 32, cough & cold preparations in 28, analgesics in 27, antimicrobials in 15, anti-allergy in 10 and topical preparations in 8 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The most commonly preferred therapy was allopathy and self-used drug was antipyretic. Key words: Allopathy, Children, Self- medication.