Background: The choice of OTC medicines for symptomatic treatment and prevention of some deseases requires from pharmacists to consult with patients on the principles of evidence-based medicine. It is important to ensure appropriate use of OTC medicines in the interest of the patient. Since 2010 the system of regulation of the use of OTC drugs through the approval and intermittent update of pharmaceutist protocols was created and implemented in Ukraine.

Objectives: To identify clinical guidelines and clinical protocols that can be used for development and updating of pharmaceutical care standard operating procedures (SOPs) in some negligible disorders and symptoms that patients recognise by themselves.

Methods: Information sources were searched including GIN, DynaMed to identify clinical guidelines that can be used to develop SOPs pharmaceutical assistance in responsible self-medication. The clinical guidelines found were evaluated and used for SOP development on the topics 'Dyspepsia', 'Heartburn', 'Prevention of influenza and SARS', 'Cough', 'Prevention of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis', 'Smoking cessation' and others by consensus. Finally there was public discussion of draft documents before approval.

Results: 34 pharmaceutist protocols were developed for syndromes and symptoms for which patients often consult the pharmacy for self-medication, as well as for the prevention of certain diseases. They were approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (last edition 2013). Currently, documents are being updated.

Conclusions: Pharmaceutist protocols are an effective information support tool for specialist pharmacy on the principles of evidence-based medicine for the appropriate use of medicines in the patients` interest corresponding to the concept of WHO and FIP on good pharmacy practice (GPP).