ESTIMATION OF CONSUMERS VIEW ON CONCOMITANT USE OF DRUGS AND CREATING ITS AWARENESS: AN ONLINE SURVEY

Objective: To evaluate awareness among consumers regarding concomitant use of drugs and Herb-Drug interaction. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey, carried out over 2 months. The study was carried among 500 respondents and a questionnaire was sent using google form. Result: About 41% responded with their preference of medication as allopathy, whereas 37% consume both medications and 22% preferred herbal. Indications on con- comitant use of drugs show that out of 100% respondent who consumes both medications, 94% knows the duration of therapy. Reports on consultation to physician show that out of 100% respondent who consumes both medications 87% do consult their physician before use. Among 500 respondents, 60% are aware of Herb-Drug interaction (HDI) out of which only 9.2% have faced HDI. Conclusion: The result indicates a need to conduct more awareness on concomitant use of drugs and HDI to minimize the effect on consumers' health.Keywords: Herbal, Concomitant, Self-medication, HDI.