To obtain baseline data on self medication with over the counter drugs in Perinthalmanna. Also to gain information on the factors influencing self medication with over the counter drugs and to note any association of self medication with demographic factor. Datas were collected via face to face structured interview of respondents in the community pharmacy using the questionnaire from December 2009 to February 2010. Samples of 80 patients were selected from the community pharmacy. The inclusion criteria for selection of patients were those came to retail pharmacy to buy over the counter drugs .Few patients were excluded in accordance with exclusion criteria like incomplete information and some were not accepting to participate in the study .Each individual was given explanation about the purpose of study. The results were based upon the data captured from 80 patients. The prevalence of self medication was reported as percentages. Of the 92 questionnaires distributed, 80 (86.95 %) were answered and the rest were probably ignored by the patients and noticed a certain difficulty in answering . This study shows the need to carry out educational companion to alert the population about the use of many medicines available in the market. For that it is paramount to have an active participation of health care professionals, specially physicians and pharmacist, besides the help from the pharmaceutical industry, government regulations and continuous inspection by the competent authorities. Although self medication is difficult to eliminate, interventions can be made to discourage this practice and ensure safer usage of drugs. The intervention will require better patient education of public and health professionals to avoid the irrational use of drugs.
