Abstract
Background: In India, patients self-order both over-the-counter and prescription-only drugs in pharmacies, although the dispensing of the latter without a prescription is unlawful. Good pharmacy practice (GPP) guidelines have been framed and implemented in the country to help achieve standard practice. However, the quality of dispensing provided is inappropriate, especially in terms of counselling by the pharmacists at the time of dispensing.

Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the drug dispensing practices in private pharmacies and provide data from the state of Goa.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 101 pharmacists in the state of Goa and evaluated for various aspects of dispensing practices.

Results: Dispensing without a prescription was 63.4% of the total dispensing encounters. Antihistamines and anti-cough medication, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were the most commonly dispensed medications without a prescription. Only 18.8% pharmacists explained adverse effects of the drugs and 22.7% explained the dosage and frequency voluntarily while dispensing the medications. Storage and record maintenance also was not being followed as per GPP guidelines.

Conclusion: This study revealed an inadequacy in the dispensing practices among the pharmacists in the state. While they are aware of the various schedules of drugs, they do not follow the record keeping as per the current regulations. Therefore, enforcing stringent laws and ensuring that they are followed is necessary along with educational programs for the pharmacists to promote rational drug use.

Key words: Dispensing Practices; Over-the-Counter Drugs; Generic Substitution; Pharmacy