A new handbook aims to resolve problems caused by the misuse of drugs bought over the counter from pharmacies.
The Chinese-language book, published by the Practising Pharmacists Association, has more than 20 chapters covering hundreds of commonly used drugs which can be bought without a doctor's prescription.
Individual chapters will go into details on different types of drugs, such as vitamins, weight-loss pills, drugs tailor-made for pregnant women, influenza, stomach ache and fever. The association's president, Scarlett Pong Oi-lan, said experienced pharmacists would pick the most popular over-the-counter drugs and explain their contents, effectiveness and any possible side-effects.
'A majority of the people don't pay attention to the contents of drugs.
'We hope this book will help enrich their knowledge and awareness,' Ms Pong said.
She said the association would consider writing another book on drugs for chronic diseases.
