List of Over-the-Counter Drugs in Ghana
Over-the-counter drugs, otherwise known as OTC are medicines that can be bought and taken without prescription. It is safe and effective for the treatment of minor ailments like allergies, headaches, stomach upset, skin diseases, headaches, and body pains. These drugs are approved by the Foods and Drugs Authority of Ghana.
These are medicines that are so safe and common that you can even keep some of them in your first-aid box at home should you or your family meet an accident. However, expiry dates should be checked regularly to make sure it is safe to consume. OTC medicines are cheaper and easier to find. If your symptoms do not resolve after taking these medicines, it is advisable to seek advice from a medical professional.
Over the Counter Drugs available in Ghana:
- Acetylsalicylic acid
- Algicon and its analogue
- Aluminum, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and bismuth-containing antacids
- Aminacrine + lidocaine topical preparations
- Amodiaquine + Artesunate
- Antacids that contain Simethicone and its analogue
- Anthelmintics, except Suramin and Ivermectin
- The anti-asthmatic compound, not containing more than 120mg of theophylline and 11mg of Ephedrine
- Artemether Suppository
- Artemether + Lumefantrine
- Artesunate suppository
- Benzyl benzoate
- Benzyl peroxide
- Castor oil
- Cetrimide
- Chloramphenicol eye preparations
- Chlorhexidine
- Chloroquine and its salts, except parenteral preparations
- Chlorpheniramine
- Clotrimazole powder for topical use, pessaries, and creams
- Contraceptive tablets
- Co-trimoxazole preparations
- Cough preparations except those containing morphine and its analogue
- Cough preparations containing ambroxol, bromhexine, and dextromethorphan
- Crotamiton
- Diclofenac, 25mg
- Dihydroartemisinin suppository
- Dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine
- Diphenhydramine
- Ephedrine Nasal drops
- Ephedrine containing cold preparations only
- Ferric and ferrous salts
- Folic acid 5mg
- Glucose and preparations thereof
- Ibuprofen 200mg
- Ketoconazole
- Liquid paraffin
- Loperamide tablets and capsules
- Mercurochrome
- Methyl salicylate ointment
- Miconazole pessaries and creams
- Milk of magnesia
- Nystatin pessaries and creams
- Paracetamol, except suppositories
- Piroxicam gel
- Podophyllin
- Povidone-iodine
- Promethazine and parenteral preparations
- Pyrimethamine
- Pyrimethamine/ sulfonamide combination
- Oral hydration salts
- Salicylic acid preparations
- Senna and its preparations
- Silver sulphafiazine
- Topical preparations for the treatment of hemorrhoids, except those containing steroids
- Triprolidine containing cold preparations
- Vitamins and minerals expect parenteral preparations
It is good to know various OTC medicines but it’s even more advantageous to pharmacists and students who are studying to become Medicine Counter Assistants.
It is also important to take medicines when you do not feel well, to avoid complications of whatever you feel. Purchase these drugs only from pharmacies and licensed over counterstores. Do not buy from those who are selling at bus stations, it is unsafe and unhealthy.
