Table 1.
Characteristics of the included studies.
| No. | References | Country | Study design | Sample population | Sample size | Collection period | Purpose of self-medication | Prevalence of self-medication % | Type of product used for self-medication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khami et al. (12) | Iran | CS | Dental visits | 756 | mid-4 2020 to mid-7 2020 | Dental problem | Before pandemic 26.5% After pandemic 56.1% | Amoxicillin 22.7%, incomplete information 14.8%, azithromycin 4.7%, co-amoxiclav 3.8%, amoxicillin and metronidazole 3.5%, metronidazole 2.3%, penicillin 1.7%, cefixime 0.9%, doxycycline 0.9%, clindamycin 0.6%, and azithromycin and penicillin 0.3% |
| 2 | Lam et al. (31) | China | CS | General people | 632 | 2020.11.2–2020.12.18 | Prevention of COVID-19 and others | All 54.1% Before pandemic 48.4% During pandemic 44% | Vitamins or other dietary supplements 25.3%, Chinese herbal medicine 19.3%, and Western herbal medicine 5.1% |
| 3 | d'Arqom et al. (32) | Indonesia | CS | Mothers with school-age children | 610 | 2020.7–2020.12 | Prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 | NR | Medication: Antibiotics 42%, antivirus 16%, antimalaria 5%, and others 37%; Vitamins: Vitamin C 39%, multivitamins and minerals 32%, vitamin E 11%, vitamin D 8%, Zinc 6%, and Selenium 1%; Herbs/Natural product: Ginger 31%, honey 30%, curcumin 22%, eucalyptus 5%, and other 12%. |
| 4 | Goodwin et al. (34) | Thailand | CS | General people | 1,000 | 2020.4.20–2020.5.3 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 15.0% | Vitamins or other medicines |
| 5 | Onchonga et al. (9) | Kenya | CS | Healthcare workers | 379 | NR | Treatment for specific symptoms | Before pandemic 36.1% After pandemic 60.4% | NR |
| 6 | Mahmoudi (27) | Iran | CS | COVID-19 patients | 436 | 2020.3.11–2020.10.13 | Treatment of COVID-19 | 56.1% | Antibiotics |
| 7 | Sarkar and Rajamani (35) | India | CS | General people | 200 | 2020.8–2020.11 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 65% | Diclofenac and paracetamol |
| 8 | Arain et al. (42) | Pakistan | CS | General people | 698 | 2020.4–2020.9 | Treatment for specific symptoms | NR | OTC, antibiotics, and others (sedatives) |
| 9 | Sadio et al. (74) | Togo | CS | The healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal sectors | 955 | 2020.4.23–2020.5.8 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 34.2% | Vitamin C 27.6%, traditional medicine 10.2%, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine 2.0%, and azithromycin 1.2%. |
| 10 | Oktarlina et al. (33) | Indonesia | CS | Medical faculty students | 252 | 2020.1.1–2020.1.10 | Treatment for specific symptoms | NR | Supplement and drugs |
| 11 | Coman et al. (59) | Romania | Mixed method (interview and survey) | Interviews: five doctors with different specialties. Survey: predominantly adults and student | 543 | 2021.1–2021.4 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | NR | Symptomatic medicines for allergies, respiratory, gastric, pain, anxiolytic antibiotics, vitamins, anti-thermics, oral disinfectants, antispasmodics, anti-diarrheals, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc.) |
| 12 | Tossou (75) | Togo | CS | Households | 1,946 | 2020.7.8–2020.7.17 | No specific indication | 61.41% | NR |
| 13 | Tandon et al. (36) | India | CS | General people | 312 | NR | Prevention of COVID-19 and others | NR | Prophylactic therapy with the perception to prevent COVID-19 infection (n = 4), VC (n = 2), hydroxychloroquine (n = 1). |
| 14 | Mansuri et al. (54) | Saudi Arabia | CS | General people under lockdown | 388 | 2020.3–2020.4 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | Self-medication for fever 35.1% | NR |
| 15 | Sen Tunc et al. (46) | Turkey | CS | Parents who applied to dental clinic regarding their children's dental problems | 389 | 2020.7–2020.10 | Dental problem | 70.2% (self-medicated their children) | Analgesics 98%, antibiotics 38.1%, mouthwashes 13.1%, and herbal medicines 8.8% |
| 16 | Sikdar et al. (49) | Bangladesh | CS | General people | 2,941 | 2020.11.25–2020.12.4 | Sleep disturbances | 7.14% | NR |
| 17 | Tekeba et al. (76) | Ethiopia | CS | Community-pharmacy clients | 416 | 2020.6.1–2020.6.30 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 73.6% | Painkillers 83.7%, antibiotics 10.5%, cough syrup 1.6%, antacid 1.6%, oral contraceptive 1.3%, and other 1.3% |
| 18 | Soriano-Moreno et al. (65) | Peru | CS | General people | 3,610 | 2020.9.7–2020.9.21 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | Prevention: 8% Treatment: 16.4% | Chlorine dioxide |
| 19 | Merwid-Lad et al. (60) | Poland | CS | The students during the academic year 2020/2021 | 624 | 2021.11.14–2021.12.23 | Anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems and others | 70% | Dietary supplements: Magnesium or a combination of magnesium with vitamin B6, Melissa officinalis L. (melissa, lemon balm), melatonin, a Vitamin-B group complex, Valeriana officinalis L. root (valerian root), Matricaria recutita L. (wild chamomile), Withania somnifera L. (ashwagandha), Humulus lupulus L. (hop), cannabidiol (CBD) oil, ginseng, vitamin D with or without menaquinone-7 (MK7), vitamin C, vitamin B12, multivitamin preparations, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids OTC: Antihistamines, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory drugs |
| 20 | Yusuf and Sarkinfada (77) | Nigeria | CS | Individuals that visited medical stores and medical store owners | 332 | NR | Treatment for specific symptoms | During pandemic 68.5% Before pandemic 64.2% | Artemisinin combination therapy 39.5%, Co-trimoxazole 16.0%, amoxicillin 14.1%, ciprofloxacin 12.9%, ampicillin-cloxacillin 6.7%, tetracycline 6.7%, and chloroquine 3.7% |
| 21 | Bello et al. (78) | Nigeria | CS | Nigerian undergraduates | 356 | 2020.5–2020.8 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 65.4% | Vitamin C 52%, paracetamol/panadol 43%, herbs 28.7%, anti-malaria 24.7%, food supplements 15.7%, cough syrup 8.1%, slimming pills and teas 6.5%, piriton 3.4%, anti-diarrhea 2.2%, tramadol 2%, hydroxychloroquine 2%, and other 15.2% |
| 22 | Gupta and Chakraborty (37) | India | CS | Adults with a history of taking allopathic medication in the last month | 170 | 2020.8 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 57.7% | Pain suppressor 46.9%, antibiotics 43.9%, anti-acidity 39.8%, and anti-allergics (including cough suppressants) 16.3% |
| 23 | Akintunde et al. (83) | Sub-Saharan Africa | CS | General people | 536 | 2020.8.18–2020.8.24 | No specific indication | 38.8% | NR |
| 24 | Saleem et al. (43) | Pakistan | CS | Undergraduate students | 520 | 2020.3–2020.6 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 58.1% | Analgesics 55.96%, antibiotic 38.74%, antipyretic 34.44%, antihistamine 20.86%, vitamins 17.55%, antiemetic 9.27%, antidiarrheal 8.28%, antacids 5.96%, laxatives 4.97%, food supplements 4.30%, and others 13.58% |
| 25 | Tobaiqi et al. (55) | Saudi Arabia | CS | General people | 281 | 2020.7–2020.9 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 58% | Analgesics 42.9%, antibiotic 14.1%, herbs 13.5%, vitamins 9.2%, eye drops 6.1%, antacid 4.9%, roquia treatment 2.5%, laxatives 0.6%, and other 6.1% |
| 26 | Heshmatifar et al. (28) | Iran | CS | Older adult>60 | 342 | 2020 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 56.4% | Pain reliever 52%, vitamins and supplements 47%, anti-cold 44%, sedative 42.6%, antibiotics 27.1%, gastrointestinal drugs 25.9%, and cardiac drugs 17% |
| 27 | Mulder et al. (61) | Netherlands | CS | General people | 1,004 | 2020.5.22–2020.5.27 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and others | 59.4% | Homeopathic remedies 10.2%, Bach flowers 4.1%, and Herbal medicine 19.0%: Echinacea, Passiflora, curcumin, red yeast rice (Xuezhikang), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), cranberry, black cohosh, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba Vitamins/minerals 55.0%: Multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium Other CM 14.0%: Omega 3, 6, 9, co-enzyme Q10, protein drink/shake, probiotics, and glucosamine-chondroitin-MSM |
| 28 | Elayeh et al. (57) | Jordan | CS | General people | 1,179 | 2020.3.26–2020.4.16. | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 80.4% | Antibiotics: azithromycin and doxycycline; Analgesics and antipyretics: paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac; Minerals: zinc, magnesium, and iron salts; Vitamins: vitamins C, D, and B and multivitamins; Herbals and supplements: propolis, omega 3 fatty acids, and immune boosting supplements; Antithrombotic drugs: aspirin and enoxaparin; Cold and cough preparations; Antihistamines; Others: antiseptic lozenges, nasal solutions containing normal saline or sea water, clove oil, and menthol rub. |
| 29 | Chopra et al. (38) | India | CS | General people with middle and high socioeconomic status | 1,100 | 2020.5.1–2020.5.10 | Anxiety | 25% | NSAIDS 36%, antiulcer drugs 18%, H1 Anti-histaminics, 15%, multivitamins 7%, antimicrobials 6%, herbal drugs 3%, and hydroxychloroquine 1% |
| 30 | Azhar et al. (56) | Saudi Arabia | CS | General people | 290 | 2020 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 53% | Allopathic medicines: Azithromycin 21.5%, cough syrup 16.7%, soften 15.6%, disprin 5.2%, ivermectin 3.3%, dexa methasone 3%, and hydroxychloroquine 2.6% Herbals: Sana makhi tea 32.6%, green tea 4.8%, homeopathic medicines 3.3%, lemon tea 2.4%, ginger tea 2%, joshanda tea 1.6%, and tootsiah syrup 0.4% Vitamins: Vitamin C 27%, surbex Z 18.9%, vitamin D 18.5%, Tab. calcium 14.8%, multi-vitamins 2%, centrum 0.4%, and folic acid 0.4% |
| 31 | Amuzie et al. (79) | Nigeria | CS | General people | 469 | 2021.10–2021.11 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 30.3% | Herbal products 43.7%, anti-malarials (ACTs) 34.5%, vitamin supplements 28.2%, azithromycin 23.9%, ivermectin 12.7%, analgesics 12%, calcium supplement 8.5%, hydroxychloroquine 8.5%, and ciprofloxacin 4.9% |
| 32 | Okoye et al. (80) | Nigeria | CS | Health care professionals | 669 | 2021.3–2021.4 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 36.3% | Ivermectin 9.5%, azithromycin 9.1%, vitamin C 7.4%, chloroquine 5.7%, and zinc sulfate 2.0% |
| 33 | Acharya et al. (58) | Nepal | CS | Medical students and staffs | 383 | 2021.11.1–2021.11.30 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 50.4% | Paracetamol 18.9%, vitamin C 18.6%, zinc 12.7%, multivitamins 11.1%, vitamin D 9.6%, azithromycin 8%, cough syrup 7.8%, ibuprofen 6.8%, calcium 3.2%, ivermectin 1.2%, montelukast 0.7%, dexamethasone 0.6%, chloroquine 0.3%, and other 0.4% |
| 34 | Gaviria-Mendoza et al. (68) | Colombia | CS | General people | 397 | 2020.6.30–2020.9.14 | Prevention of COVID-19 and treatment for specific symptoms | 34.3% | Nervous system: Analgesics 86.0%, acetaminophen 85.3%, and other (psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics) 5.9% Musculoskeletal system: Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products 47.1%, muscle relaxants 3.7% Respiratory system: Antihistamines for systemic use 26.5%, cough and cold preparations 24.3% Alimentary tract and metabolism: Vitamins 21.3%, drugs for acid-related disorders 16.9%, and other (drugs for constipation, anti-diarrheals, etc) 6.6% Anti-infectives for systemic use: Anti-bacterials for systemic use 12.5%, anti-mycotics for systemic use 2.2% Blood and blood forming organs (antithrombotic agents) 13.2% Antiparasitic products, insecticides, and repellents: Antiprotozoals 3.7% and anthelmintics 2.9% Other: Systemic hormonal preparations 2.2%, cardiovascular system 1.5%, dermatologicals 0.7%, and other (natural products) 19.1% |
| 35 | Rafiq et al. (44) | Pakistan | CS | General people | 920 | 2020.3–2020.8 | Treatment for specific symptoms | Total 63.7% Among adults 67.3% Among teenagers 46.9% | NR |
| 36 | Vasquez-Elera et al. (66) | Peru | CS | Patients hospitalized in COVID-19 areas of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital who self-medicated before admission. | 301 | 2020.5–2020.6 | Treatment of COVID-19 | 54.8% | Ivermectin 85.5%, azithromycin 71.5%, corticosteroids 46.7%, and NSAIDs 31.5% |
| 37 | Wegbom et al. (81) | Nigeria | CS | General people | 461 | 2020.6–2020.7 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 41% | Vitamin C and multivitamin 51.8%, other antimalarial drugs 47.1%, amoxicillin 24.9%, ciprofloxacin 14.6%, herbal products 10.2%, metronidazole 8.5%, erythromycin 5.3%, and hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine 3.2% |
| 38 | Quispe-Cañari et al. (67) | Peru | CS | General people | 3,792 | 2020.6.5–2020.6.17 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 33.4% | Acetaminophen 27%, ibuprofen 7.4%, azithromycin 4.8%, penicillin 2.3%, antiretrovirals 1.6%, and hydroxychloroquine 0.7% |
| 39 | Yasmin et al. (10) | Pakistan | CS | Medical Students | 489 | 2021.1.25–2021.2.20 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 83% | Paracetamol 65.2%, multivitamins 56.0%, ibuprofen 29.0%, cetirizine 27.8%, azithromycin 25.6%, hydroxychloroquine 8.8%, antivirals 7.2%, ivermectin 4.5%, doxycycline 3.9%, and others 11.4% |
| 40 | Zhang et al. (72) | Australia | CS | General people | 2,217 | 2020.3.16–2020.4.1 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 19.5% | Antibiotics |
| 41 | Makowska et al. (8) | Poland | CS | General people | 1,013 | 2020.6.8–2020.6.15 | Prevention of COVID-19 and others | 45.6% | NR |
| 42 | Ceulemans et al. (62) | Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom (UK) | CS | Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women | 7,260 | 2020.6.16–2020.7.14 | No specific indication | Pregnant women: 22.0% Breastfeeding women: 16% |
Medications, folic acid, multivitamins, iron-containing preparations, omega-3 fatty acids, and other products (including but not limited to pre- and probiotics, herbal remedies and homeopathic products) |
| 43 | Alonso-Castro et al. (69) | Mexico | CS | Population with symptoms associated with anxiety and depression | 2,100 | 2020.3–2020.6 | Anxiety and depression | 61.9% | Orange blossom (n = 524), chamomile (n = 508), valerian (n = 419), tilia (n = 360), passion flower (n = 353), cinnamon (n = 171), ginkgo (n = 153), toronjil (n = 134), hierba de San Juan (n = 110), aloysia citrodora (n = 90), and marijuana (n=44) |
| 44 | Karataş et al. (47) | Turkey | CS | General people | 389 | 2020.4.1–2020.4.30 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 39.3% | Herbal medicines 30.8% and nutritional supplements/vitamins 23.8% |
| 45 | Ruiz-Padilla et al. (70) | Mexico | CS | General people | 16,724 | 2020.3–2020.11 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 35.3% | Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin. ivermectin, chlorine dioxide, transfer factor, green tea, zinc, vitamin C, lemon, curcuma, ginger, propolis, and ginseng |
| 46 | Ahmed et al. (50) | Bangladesh | CS | General people | 1,222 | 2020.6.27–2020.7.20 | Prevention of COVID-19 and treatment for specific symptoms | NR | Allopathic medicines 15%: Arsenicum album 30.4%, vitamin supplements (vitamin C, D, B, and multivitamins) 27.1%, mineral supplements (mostly zinc) 19.9%, paracetamol 16.0%, antihista, mines (fexofenadine, desloratadine, and chlorpheniramine) 11.6%, antiasthmatics (mostly montelukast) 8.8%, and ivermectin 5.5%, Herbal 56.7%: Tea (normal and herbal) 70.9%, ginger 56.5%, black seed 32.8%, honey 30%, clove 28.8%, cinnamon 23.0%, garlic 16.9%, lemon 13.6%, black pepper 8.8%, cardamom 2.8%, bay leaf 2.1%, and tulsi 1.8% |
| 47 | Kristoffersen et al. (63) | Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands | CS | General people | 2,494 | 2020.4–2020.6 | Prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms | 62.8% | Herbs 18.2%: Ginger 6.8%, curcumin 5.8%, garlic 4.2%, green tea 4.0%, herbal tea 4.0%, cranberry 3.9%, blueberry/blueberry extract 3.5%, oregano 2.6%, echinacea 2.1%, aloe vera 2.0%, ginseng 1.8%, red yeast rice (xuezhikang) 1.8%, rhodiola rosea 1.0%, passiflora 0.7%, ginkgo biloba 0.6%, Indian ginseng 0.5%, actaea racemosa (black cohosh) 0.5%, chaga 0.3%, lady's thistle 0.2%, and Other herbs 3.1% Vitamins and minerals 49.9%: Vitamin D 21.2%, Multivitamins 17.5%, Vitamin C 15.7%, Magnesium 11.4%, Vitamin B 7.8%, Calcium 4.7%, Iron 4.2%, Zinc 2.7%, Selenium 1.1%, and Other vitamines and minerals 5.3% Homeopathic remedies 4.7% Bach flower remedies 2.3% Dietary supplements 29.2%: Omega 3, 6, or 9 including cod liver oil 22.2%, Protein shake 4.5%, Probiotic 3.1%, Glucosamine 1.9%, Q10 0.8%, and Other dietary supplements 2.5% |
| 48 | Mutua et al. (73) | Kenya | CS | The pharmacy customers and the pharmacy workers | 80 | 2020.6–2020.7 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 78% | Anti-pyre-tics, NSAIDS, antibiotics, sedatives and hypnotics, nutritional supplements, and herbal/traditional medicines |
| 49 | Farooq et al. (39) | India | CS | Dental students and interns | 100 | 2021.9–2021.11 | Treatment for specific symptoms | 34.4% | Acetaminophen 41.9%, combination of paracetamol, propyphezone & caffeine 18.3%, ibuprofen 14%, aspirin 8.6%, diclofenac 3.3%, mefenamic acid 3.2%, and ketoprofen 1.1% |
| 50 | MCPS and Malik (45) | Pakistan | CS | Dental patients | 451 | 2020.9.20–2020.12.5 | Dental problem | 86.25% | Pain relievers 68.5%, antibiotics 35.5%, other 18.6%, and steroids 6.5% |
| 51 | Aitafo et al. (82) | Nigeria | CS | Health workers | 220 | 2021.1.2–2021.3.2 | Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 | 15.9% | Vitamin C 97.1%, zinc 80.0%, azithromycin 68.6%, anti-malarials (not hydroxychloroquine) 45.7%, hydrochloroquine/chloroquine 34.3%, multivitamins 31.4%, combination of antibiotics 14.3%, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 8.6%, erythromycin 5.7%, amoxicillin 5.7%, ciprofloxacin 2.9%, and metronidazole/flagyl 2.9% |
| 52 | Ikiisik et al. (48) | Turkey | CS | Older adult >65 | 390 | 2021.2.22–2021.3.19 | Prevention of COVID-19 and treatment for specific symptoms | 48.7% | Analgesics 75%, anti-gribal 14%, antibiotics 5.7%, and vitamin 5.2% |
| 53 | Nasir et al. (51) | Bangladesh | CS | General people | 626 | 2020.4–2020.5 | Prevention of COVID-19 and treatment for specific symptoms | 88.33% | Ivermectin 77.15%, azithromycin 54.15%, montelukast 43.13%, calcium supplements 41.37%, doxycycline 40.25%, hydroxychloroquine 20.44%, zinc 19.81%, and vit-d 13.58% |
| 54 | Alavi Namvar et al. (29) | Iran | CS | Dental patients | 306 | 2020.10–2021.4 | Dental problem | 53.9% | Ibuprofen 23.6%, salt and water mouthwash 20.9%, amoxicillin 17.7%, acetaminophen 10.7%, metronidazole 2.9%, novafen 2.7%, mefenamic acid 1.9%, penicillin 0.3%, and others (herbs, garlic, onion, honey, lime juice, local analgesics, local salt, lidocaine, and Dentol) 19.3% |
| 55 | González-González et al. (71) | Mexico | CS | University students | 284 | 2021.2–2021.4 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 20.4% | Vitamins 53.9%, medicinal drugs 17.1%, herbal 10.5%, alcohol 6.6%, chlorine dioxide 3.9%, and others 7.9% |
| 56 | Chellappan et al. (40) | India | CS | General people | 478 | 2020.9.1–2020.11.30 | Prevention of COVID-19 | 84.5% | Home remedies 50.2%, Allopathy 46.3%: Vitamins and other dietary supplements 51.7%, medication to reduce fever 14.1%, antibiotics 12.1%, hydroxychloroquine 7.2%, painkillers 4.2%, ivermectin 3%, other medication 7%; homeopathy 32.2%, ayurveda 16.6%, naturopathy 4.5%, siddhi 3.5%, unani 0.5%, and other systems 0.2% |
| 57 | Likhar et al. (41) | India | CS | Medical students | 394 | NR | No specific indication | 73.85% | Allopathy 43.65%: antibiotics 53.04%, anti-pyrectics 17.25%, anti-fungal 3.29%, anti-malarial 0.2%, any other 30.20%; homeopathy 8.12%, ayurvedic 7.86%, mixed 11.42% |
| 58 | Sujan et al. (52) | Bangladesh | CS | COVID-19 recovered patients | 360 | 2020.9–2021.2 | Prevention/treatment of COVID-19 | 11% | Paracetamol 30.6%, herbal products/drugs 30%, and antibiotics 29.7% |
| 59 | Mir et al. (11) | India | CS | General people | 168 | 2021.5 | Treatment of COVID-19-like symptoms | 59.9% | Paracetamol 85.0%, azithromycin 58.0%, cough syrup 30.0%, ivermectin 18.0%, doxycycline 16.0%, ibuprofen 13.0%, dexamethasone 7.0%, hydroxychloroquine 4.0%, famotidine 3.0%, penicillins 3.0%, remdisivir 2.0%, budesonide inhalations 1.0%, and others 19.0% |
| 60 | Gerbier et al. (64) | Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom | CS | Pregnant and postpartum women | 5210 | 2021.6.10–2021.8.22 | No specific indication | Pregnant women: 18.0% Postpartum women: 22.5% | Pregnant women: paracetamol 32.8%, alginic acid 5.2%, ordinary salt combinations as antacids (combinations of calcium, aluminum, and magnesium) 4.6%; Postpartum women: paracetamol 76.6%, ibuprofen 29.2%, and cetirizine 4.1% |
| 61 | Dehghan et al. (30) | Iran | CS | General people | 782 | 2020.4.20–2020.8.20 | No specific indication | 84% | Medicinal herbs 48.8%: chamomile, thyme, ginger, mint, cinnamon, Imam Kazim medicine (a mixture of myrobalan, fennel, and brown sugar), hollyhocks, lavender, pennyroyal, buttercup, jujube, rosemary, viper's-buglosses, fennel, and a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey Nutritional supplements 61.3%: vitamin D, vitamin C, multi-vitamin, and others, including vitamin B6, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, iron, omega-3, and folic acid, or a combination of supplement |
| 62 | Johora et al. (53) | Bangladesh | CS | Medical Students | 916 | 2020.10.1–2020.10.31 | Prevention of COVID-19 and treatment for specific symptoms | 51.6% | Paracetamol 88.37%, anti-histamine 48.20%, vitamin C 39.96%, zinc 31.08%, ORS 20.51%, NSAIDs 20.30%, vitamin D 19.03%, vitamin E 15.01%, montelukast 14.16%, calcium 13.95%, anti-ulcerants 9.73%, sedatives 9.30%, anti-emetics 9.10%, bronchodilators 5.71%, antispasmodic 4.65%, antitussive 4.02%, herbal 3.17%, oxygen 0.63%, and others 5.50% |
Abbreviations: CS, cross-sectional study; NR, not reported.