The government has announced it will ease restrictions on advertising some over-the-counter medicines.

Ministers hope the move could lead to public health improvements by making information on the benefits of key medicines more widely available.

However, the ban on advertising prescription-only medicines direct to consumers will remain.

Some OTC medicines are currently banned from being advertised, even though they can be freely purchased through pharmacies or supermarkets.

Following a consultation exercise, these restrictions are to be eased for drugs that can help tackle conditions such as heart disease, diseases affecting the bones and the liver, and rheumatic conditions. Serious respiratory and kidney diseases and serious skin, eye or ear disorders will also be covered by the move.

Examples are expected to include the promotion of 75mg aspirin tablets for secondary prevention of heart attack or stroke, and the use of products containing calcium and vitamin D by patients with osteoporosis.

The changes will not take effect until for advertisers and information and training for pharmacy staff have been provided.

The Department of Health suggested that could come by the end of 2003.

"Removing the restrictions on promoting non-prescription medicines to the public has the potential to bring real public health benefits by giving more power and information direct to patients," said health minister Lord Warner.

"The government intends to increase the number and range of medicines over the counter as quickly as possible, commensurate with public safety."

Professor Alasdair Breckenridge of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency pledged to that new guidance on advertising the medicines would follow consultations with industry and health professionals.