Abstract

A questionnaire survey was carried out among 196 responders(drug- salesmen working in authorized drug stores)to investigate the pattern of drug- use in an Indian urban community considered as representative sample. Study revealed that, 30.6 percent buyers could show the prescription from a qualified doctor or a dentist. Fifteen-percent prescriptions came from dentists. Sixty nine percent respondents answered that a number of buyers insisted them to advice a drug for their illness. Ayurvedic physicians were prescribing allopathic drugs, as reported by 53.3 percent responders. Qualified physicians were prescribing herbal drugs,17.8 percent responders. Antibiotics were the highest sold 55percent followed by tonics 30percent antacids 10percent and other drugs 5percent.Only 14 responders (7.1percent)heard about Essential Drugs and two persons(1percent) knew the generic name of a few drugs. Prescriptions are not easy readable was reported by 75percent responders. The prices of drugs are increasing was answered by 196 responders(100 percent).The outcome perhaps represents the situation elsewhere in India. .