Pharmaceutical care in self-medication: ABC/VED analysis of over-the-counter antiallergic medicines.

Abstract

Introduction: The growing prevalence of allergic diseases and the widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines necessitate rationalization of symptomatic treatment, balancing clinical relevance with limited healthcare resources.

Aim: To evaluate OTC  medicines used for symptomatic allergy treatment through ABC/VED analysis in order to identify priority medicines and support pharmaceutical and managerial decision-making.

Materials and methods: The study included 25 OTC medicines registered in Ukraine for symptomatic allergy treatment during 2024-2025. Aggregate sales data from pharmacy networks and distributors were analysed. ABC analysis was used to assess expenditure distribution, while VED analysis classified medicines according to clinical importance based on pharmacist protocols, clinical guidelines, pharmacological role, safety profile, and suitability for self-medication. The integrated ABC/VED matrix was applied to determine priority medicines.

Results: A limited number of medicines accounted for the majority of expenditures. Cetirizine, Loratadine, Desloratadine, Xylometazoline and Oxymetazoline formed the A/Vital category, representing the highest priority group combining economic weight with clinical relevance. The results demonstrate a strong concentration of financial resources in first-line antihistamines and essential topical agents used for rapid symptom relief in self-medication.

Conclusion: The integrated ABC/VED approach is an effective tool for identifying priority OTC antiallergic medicines, supporting rational pharmacy assortment management, supporting evidence-based practice and pharmaceutical care in self-medication under limited healthcare resources.