BACKGROUND Hearing aids sold directly to consumers in retail stores or through the internet, without individual prescription by audiological professionals, are termed over-the-counter (OTC) devices. This study aimed to determine whether there was any change in the electroacoustic characteristics of OTC devices compared to research carried out a decade earlier. The previous results indicated tha...

The study investigated the effect of oxytetracycline (OTC) on the anti-oxidative defense system, the structure (hemolysis rate and morphology) and function (ATP enzyme activity) of human red blood cells (hRBCs) to investigate the possible toxic mechanism of OTC to hRBCs. The experimental results indicate that OTC can cause a decline in the function of the antioxidant defense system of hRBCs, re...

Over the past five years, several advances have been made in the provision of contraceptive services that have markedly reduced barriers to access. Unquestionably, the most important development is the contraceptive coverage guarantee under the Affordable Care Act, which requires most health insurers to cover all methods approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) without cost shari...

PURPOSE To explore patterns in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines (OAHs) and intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) by patients, from pharmacies in different geographical regions of Australia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective observational study using a database containing anonymous pharmacy transaction data from 20.0% of the pharmacies in Australia that...

BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate community pharmacist's perception on the provision of over-the-counter (OTC) traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmaceutical services; focusing on the areas of their attitude, general practice, perceived barriers and suggested improvements. METHODS Questionnaire survey targeting community pharmacists in Harbin of China was applied in this study. Que...

BACKGROUND The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with serious adverse drug events (ADEs). AIM To determine the prevalence of over-the-counter (OTC) NSAID use in the general population and in patients with a high risk of developing a serious NSAID-related ADE. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study in four general practices in the Netherlands. METHOD Two...

PURPOSE To evaluate the role of SLC5A8 in the transport of 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC) and to determine whether OTC augments glutathione production in RPE cells, thereby providing protection against oxidative stress. METHODS SLC5A8-mediated transport of OTC was monitored in Xenopus laevis oocytes by electrophysiological means. Saturation kinetics, Na(+)-activation kinetics, and inhi...

BACKGROUND allowing statins to be sold without a prescription has been widely debated in Great Britain, Canada and the USA. AIMS To examine the impact of the recent policy in Great Britain allowing patients to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) 10 mg dose of a cholesterol-lowering drug (simvastatin) on meeting the needs of individuals at moderate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS w...