1
Final year Postgraduate, Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India. ORCID :0009-0000-4669-1802
2
Associate professor, Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India. ORCID :0009-0000-4740-9936
3
Senior resident, Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India.ORCID :0000-0002-4970-6608
Received: 2025-09-17
Revised: 2025-10-06
Accepted: 2025-10-23
Published: 2025-11-04
Introduction: Self-medication is a growing public health concern, particularly in developing countries where individuals frequently use medications without medical supervision. The widespread availability of over-the-counter ear drops has led to their irrational use, posing potential risks such as drug resistance, misdiagnosis and adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication with ear drops in India. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 patients from the general population in the Department of ENT in a tertiary care Centre for 1 month. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, self-medication history, sources of information, types of ear drops used, and adverse effects. Results: The prevalence of self-medication with ear drops was 63.7%. The most commonly reported symptoms leading to self-medication were ear blockage (39.8%), itching (28.3%), and pain (19.9%). The sources of medication information included previous prescription (27.2%), pharmacists (26.2%), and family or friends (25.7%). Antibiotics (27.3%) and wax dissolvers (26.3%) were the most commonly used ear drops. Adverse effects were reported by 78.9% of users, including irritation (31.3%), allergic reactions (25%), and hearing impairment (21%). Participants suggested awareness programs (34.3%), stricter regulations (33%), and improved access to ENT specialists (32.7%) as measures to control self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication for ear conditions is driven by convenience and easy access, often leading to inappropriate use influenced by non-medical sources. Reported adverse effects highlight the risks of unsupervised ear drop use, emphasizing the need for awareness and regulation.
Self-medication, ear drops, irrational drug use, over-the-counter medication, public health, antibiotic misuse.