Class Non-Prescription Drug Therapy

This curricular unit has as main scope the activity of pharmaceutical counselling, "the professional act by which the pharmacist is responsible for the selection of a medicine not subject to medical prescription and/or indication of non-pharmacological measures, with the objective to alleviate or solve a health problem considered as a minor disorder or minor symptom, understood as a health problem of non-serious character, self-limited, of short duration, which has no relation with clinical manifestations of other health problems of the patient" (in Good Pharmacy Practices, 2009). In this sense, this UC focus onc several pathologies related to minor health issues, and addresses the possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological solutions to these issues.

Not applicable

Introduction to Pharmaceutical Indication and Communication Non-prescription Medicines (MNSRM) - Definition and Concepts. National and International Context. Responsibility and functions of the Pharmacist. MNSRM available in Portugal. Possible situations subject to pharmaceutical indication Pharmaceutical intervention (patient interview, indication of MNSRM, non-pharmacological measures, and evaluation of results)   Pharmaceutical Indication in the following situations: Pain and fever Pathologies of the upper airways. Pathologies of the digestive system. Dermatological Pathologies. Ophthalmic and otologic pathologies. Emergency contraception.   The indication and intervention of the pharmacist in the previously described pathological situations, includes alternatives for physiological/pathophysiological conditions of special groups (geriatrics, pregnant, pediatrics, renal and/or hepatic insufficiency).

This curricular units is structured in such a way that students acquire and train new skills using active teaching-learning techniques, such as role-play, case-based learning and problem-based learning. Teaching will be supported through interactive information systems  (Moodle), where the flow of teacher-student information will take place. There will also be recourse to fieldwork methodology, which will enable students to come into contact with the reality of the pharmaceutical profession in Community Pharmacy, specifically in the context of Pharmaceutical counselling covered in this course.

INFARMED (2021). INFOMED - Base de dados de medicamentos de uso humano. (https://extranet.infarmed.pt/INFOMED-fo/index.xhtml) INFARMED (2021). Prontuário Terapêutico Online. (https://app10.infarmed.pt/prontuario/index.php) Krinsky, D.L.., Berardi, R.R., (2011). Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care. American Pharmacists Association . Winfield, A.J., Richards, R.M.E., (2009) Pharmaceutical Practice. (4ed). Churchill Livinsgtone. Soares, M. A. (Ed.). (2002). Medicamentos não prescritos: Aconselhamento farmacêutico (2a ed.). Associação Nacional das Farmácias.