
<p>Prescription and Non-Prescription Drug Classification Systems Across Countries: Lessons Learned for Thailand</p>
Author(s) -
Doungporn Leelavanich,
Noppadon Adjimatera,
Lawanworn Broese Van Groenou,
Puree Anantachoti
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
risk management and healthcare policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.828
H-Index - 22
ISSN - 1179-1594
DOI - 10.2147/rmhp.s281629
Subject(s) - medical prescription , drug , medicine , family medicine , pharmacology
The drug classification system, as prescription or non-prescription drug category, has been utilized as a regulatory strategy to ensure patient safety. In Thailand, the same system has been used for decades, though the drug classification criteria were updated to accommodate drug re-classification in 2016. These new criteria, however, have not been applied retroactively. Inconsistency in drug classification has been observed leading to concerns regarding the drug classification system. This has prompted the need for a review of the drug classification system in Thailand. This study aims to explore Thailand and other selected countries' regulatory management regarding the drug classification system, drug classification criteria, and drug classification itself.