Diuretics: Is non-prescription leave possible?

Abstract

Relevance. Diuretics currently play an important role in modern clinical practice. However, at present, diuretics are increasingly used and not “for medical purposes”: to reduce excess weight for cosmetic purposes or by people involved in sports, in those forms where weight categories are provided, or to reduce the concentration of a prohibited substance in urine. In this case, diuretic therapy is associated with the development of a large number of undesirable drug reactions, the likelihood of which increases with the “over-the-counter” dispensing of drugs and, accordingly, with their uncontrolled consumption. Aim. Using an anonymous questionnaire to reveal the demand for diuretics among the visitors of Tyumen pharmacies and the readiness of pharmacists for their over-the-counter dispensing. Materials and methods: analysis of the results of an anonymous survey, visitors and employees of the pharmacy chain (n = 70) in Tyumen. Results. In 42.9% of cases, respondents applied for “over-the-counter” purchase of diuretics (no hard copy). All non-prescription consumers were of working age: 70% were between the ages of 30 and 60, and 30% were under 30. In 20% of cases, over-the-counter dispensing of diuretic drugs was denied by pharmacy staff. 12.5% of non-prescription consumers reported adverse drug reactions to diuretics. An anonymous survey of “non-prescription respondents” under 30 revealed that in 50% of cases, diuretics were used to eliminate edema, in 25% of cases – for weight loss for cosmetic purposes, and in 25% – for weight loss by people involved in sports. In 37.5% of cases, respondents noted the development of unwanted drug reactions in the form of arterial hypotension, seizures, and decreased performance. Conclusion. Non-prescription leave dispensing of diuretics is noted in 42.9% of cases. The main consumers of non-prescription leave diuretics are people of working age. There is a low awareness of consumers about adverse drug reactions of diuretics, which requires not only to limit the over-the-counter dispensing of this group of drugs, but also to educate the population about the dangers of self-medication.