Self-medication is defined as the usage of medicines without a prescription from an authorized practitioner, acquiring medicines on the bases of old prescriptions recommended under different symptoms and circumstances or using medicines already stored at home. In developing countries like Pakistan self-medication is a common practice as it provides a cheap and easy alternative. Especially, the youth is exposed to media and the increased advertising of pharmaceuticals poses a larger threat to

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... younger population. The aim was to determine the prevalence of self-medication among common segments of society and identify the sources and reasons for self-medication. For this purpose a survey was carried out in general areas of Karachi. Total 100 people were examined for subjected purpose by distributing forms to be filled with requisite information and particulars, out of them total 68% people were indulge in self-medication. Amongst them 40 were medical figures while 60 were non-medical people including 35 students, 5 family members, 6 friends and 14 from other segments of society. There were 25% males and 75% females. NSAIDs (50 %), Anti-emetics (21%), antibiotics (10%), vitamin (5%), Allergy (4%) beta blockers (2%) and Antidepressant (8%) were most commonly used drugs. After careful consideration about self-medication it's concluded that there is a requirement of a serious effort to educate the society as well as easy availability of prescription for a common man.