Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Self-medication is an established component of self-care, but its implications for patients and health systems are not uniformly beneficial or harmful. This critical review examines the clinical, economic and health-system trade-offs. Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar informed a focused critical synthesis of 52 sources. The original literature check was conducted in August 2026; revision-stage source verification continued through 13 October 2026. Selection and descriptive critical appraisal were undertaken by one author. Results: Pharmacist-supported minor-ailment care improved selected clinical and referral outcomes. An Australian trial reported symptom resolution or relief in 94% versus 88% with usual pharmacy care, with no statistically significant difference in reconsultation; its economic evaluation estimated an additional AUD7.14 per patient and AUD2277 per quality-adjusted life-year. In a Ugandan hospital-based study, self-medication was associated with admission attributed to adverse drug reactions (adjusted odds ratio 2.27; 95% confidence interval 1.14-4.55). Pharmacy interventions reduced non-prescription antibiotic dispensing in some settings, but persistent supply and limited clinical-outcome evidence constrained interpretation. Overall, benefits and risks varied by medicine, patient characteristics, professional support and healthcare access; evidence did not establish a single net clinical or economic benefit across these different practices. Conclusion: Policy should support suitable non-prescription care through medicine-safety checks and defined referral criteria. In low- and middle-income countries, higher-risk-medicine restrictions should accompany affordable diagnosis and treatment. Local evaluation should measure adverse outcomes, completed referrals and household and health-system costs. Focused single-author selection limits coverage and causal interpretation.
DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s649932
Author: Zainab Sabrie
Institution: SIMAD University
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W7223470143