The International journal of pharmacy practice
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This qualitative research aimed to improve understanding of the perceptions, experiences and attitudes of community pharmacists regarding developments in the nonprescription medicines market. ⋯ Despite some variability in opinions and the potential for professionally desirable responses, the findings generally supported professional initiatives to preserve non-prescription medicines as a domain of community pharmacies. The involvement of pharmacists in medicine sales was largely favoured as an opportunity to maintain control over supply and to advise on appropriate medicines usage. These data may inform the quality supply of non-prescription medicines, and are of significance to countries operating or debating similar scheduling systems for non-prescription medicines.