Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication use for managing children’s dental pain is a common yet under-recognized public-health issue in developing countries. Easy access to pharmacies, limited awareness, and socioeconomic constraints often lead parents to administer analgesics or antibiotics without professional advice. However, inappropriate self-medication in children poses risks such as dosing errors, delayed diagnosis, and adverse drug effects. Aim: To assess the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of parental OTC medication use for children’s dental pain in Chennai, and to evaluate associated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 900 parents across all administrative zones of Chennai. A structured questionnaire was developed and validated (Cronbach’s α = 0.86); content validity and psychometric reliability were confirmed. Data were collected on sociodemographic factors, KAP toward OTC use, and preferred pain-management practices. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: 49.7% reported using OTC medications; primarily paracetamol and ibuprofen for children’s dental pain. Lower education levels and lower socioeconomic classes showed higher self-medication tendencies. Although 58% recognized common analgesics, only 29% were aware of potential risks and side effects. Many parents believed mild dental pain could be treated at home, and a substantial proportion assumed antibiotics would prevent worsening symptoms. Reliance on pharmacists and previous personal experiences also influenced medication choices. Conclusion: OTC medication use for pediatric dental pain is widespread and strongly shaped by educational and socioeconomic factors. Strengthening community awareness, enforcing pharmacy-level regulation, and integrating oral-health education into schools and public-health programs are essential to promote safe medication practices
Keywords: Good Health and Well-Being, Pediatric Oral Health, Health Literacy Improvement, Safe Access to Healthcare Services, Community Health Education, Parental Self-Medication Behavior, Pharmacy-Level Regulation, Child Health and Safety, Over-the-Counter Medication Safety, Analgesics, Prescription, Tooth pain, Self Medication, Parental attitude, Health Literacy, Access to Health Services, Pharmacies/legislation & jurisprudence, Health Education, Community, Child Health Services, Public Health Dentistry.
How to cite this article: Danda N, Ramesh R. Prevalence and Determinants of Parental Over the Counter Medication Use by Parents for Managing Children’s Dental Pain in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1s): 494-502; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 494-502