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Self-medication is an important pillar of healthcare

… and as with treatment prescribed by a doctor, it should be undertaken on the basis of the available evidence. Evidence for Self-Medication (EfSM) presents compact reviews of relevant studies on OTC medicines and active substances in order to enable pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible – and evidence-based – advice on self-medication. 

 

All EfSM articles have been peer-reviewed. They are available in German and English, and some of them in other languages ​​as well.

Perceived effectiveness and increased quality of life after Macrogol 4000 use in patients with …


With a prevalence of 14 – 30% in Spain, constipation impacts quality of life (QoL) and general well-being in the affected population. A survey conducted through Spanish pharmacies among 100 consumers who purchased Macrogol  4000 to alleviate constipation symptoms, evaluated their perception on QoL improvement and effectiveness on constipation symptoms. After 14 days of treatment, a ...

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Author: Georgina Logusso, Nuno Correia, Alexia Aran and Maria MilitaoEFSM: 2023;3:230030DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0030Date: 25.09.2023

Real-world data demonstrate added value of cineole over nasal spray monotherapy for rhinosinusitis


The efficacy of 1,8-cineole in treating acute rhinosinusitis has been repeatedly demonstrated in randomised-controlled double-blind trials [1, 2]. Now, a non-interventional trial under everyday conditions has shown that significantly greater improvements in quality of life can be achieved when taking cineole capsules – on their own or combined with other drugs – than with monotherapy using deconge ...

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Author: Dr. Simon Braun and Dr. Lukas UebbingEFSM: 2023;3:230028DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0028Date: 18.09.2023

Safety of fexofenadine as over-the-counter treatment for allergic rhinitis in Italy 


Switches of oral antihistamines (OAHs) from prescription drug to over-the-counter (OTC) status may raise safety concerns due to misuse or abuse, as seen with first-generation antihistamines. A real-world study by Carnovale et al. [1] showed no difference in number of adverse events after switching second generation OAHs to OTC, indicating a similar safety profile and supporting the use of larger p ...

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Author: Marina Volonté, DVM, Mohamed Amessou, PhD, MBA and Maria Chiara Uboldi, PhDEFSM: 2023;3:230023DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0023Date: 10.09.2023

Fexofenadine: A review of its use in the treatment of urticaria in pediatric and adult populations


Urticaria is an inflammatory skin disorder primarily resulting from activation of cutaneous mast cells. The released inflammatory mediators and histamine are responsible for the development of wheals and/or angioedema. Current guidelines recommend non-sedating second generation H1 antihistamines such as fexofenadine hydrochloride as first-line therapy. A recent review by Ansotegui et al. provides ...

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Author: Margarita Murrieta-Aguttes, MD and Mohamed Amessou, PhD, MBAEFSM: 2023;3:230014DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0014Date: 04.09.2023

Practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of functional abdominal cramping pain


Functional abdominal cramping pain (FACP) is a common but presently under-recognised condition. Practical recommendations for FACP diagnosis and management are lacking. A recent publication based on a consensus from an international panel of experts, suggested algorithms meant to assist physicians, pharmacists, and patients to follow a rational management strategy for the improvement of FACP.

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Author: Daniel Marquez, Harald Weigmann and Robert LangeEFSM: 2023;3:230020DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0020Date: 25.08.2023

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Featured article

Fexofenadine in children with allergic rhinitis


Oral antihistamines are first-line treatments for children with allergic rhinitis. A recent review evaluated second-generation antihistamines in comparison to first-generation antihistamines.

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