Assessment of Self-medication Practices During COVID-19 Pandemic in Hyderabad and Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Lack of appropriate treatment for COVID-19 infection led the general population Pakistan toward self-medication and symptomatic treatment; almost 80% collected medications future use during pandemic. Thus, current study aimed to assess medication as preventive strategy.
 Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional was conducted on a local Hyderabad Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The duration six months (April– September 2020). A total 698 responders were selected via random sampling method. number participants recruited based 95% confidence interval with 5% margin error. Data transferred into analysis sheet descriptively.
 Results: Most responded different over-the-counter (OTC) products headache. antibiotics prescription due allergic conditions, cough, respiratory tract infections including sore throat, urinary also found among majority. Few respondents had practice sedatives difficulty in falling asleep, 9.5% pain. About 20.8% agreed that lockdown contributing factor practice.
 Conclusion: Pharmacists healthcare professionals are advised counsel public regarding medication. close collaboration is required at this stage fight against preventing situation from worsening.
 Keywords: self-medication, covid-19, Hyderabad,