Characteristics of the consumption of nonprescription drugs in a population of adults in the city of Medellin (Colombia),Características del consumo de medicamentos de venta libre en una población de adultos de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia)

Objective: to describe the characteristics of the consumption of non-prescription drugs in a population of adults in the city of Medellin (Colombia). Materials and methods: a descriptive study of transverse type was made in 2011. In a sample by convenience of 351 persons of general population who attended training in a university institution. After accepting the verbal informed consent, the participants responded to an adapted survey of the instrument for studies of use of drugs prescription and consumption of the Ministry of Social protection. Results: The annual prevalence of non-prescription drugs was 73 % and 55 % monthly. The main symptoms that led to the consumption were: headache (64.4 %) and influenza- like symptoms (40.5 %). Medications for the treatment of symptoms referred to above was made mainly by self-medication (64 %). Criteria to consume or buy a medicine: the medi- cal recommendation (77 %), the price, the experience of use (76 % each) and advertising (22 %). Sources of information about drugs are the doctor (73 %), the Internet (44 %) and the pharmacist (43 %). Conclusion: Self-medication is a common practice in the participants of this study. Im- portant criteria for the consumption or purchase of a drug, are personal experience, adver- tising and pharmaceutical promotion.