title: Over-the-counter oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a pharmacoepidemiologic study in southern Italy.
abstract: The Pharmacoepidemiologic Service of the Second University of Naples analyzed the use and tolerability of over-the-counter (OTC) oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) purchased in Campania, a region of southern Italy. Forty private pharmacies uniformly distributed throughout the region were recruited. The study was conducted by means of a questionnaire completed by purchasers and lasted from December 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000; 2,053 questionnaires were collected. The age of respondents averaged 45.3 +/- 3.49 years (range, 17-85 years). The NSAIDs analyzed were acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, and piroxicam. Adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, were reported by 5.5% of the users and occurred primarily with diclofenac, piroxicam, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen. Because the use and availability of OTC NSAIDs are increasing, further studies of the tolerability of this important drug class are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Center of Pharmacoepidemiology, Experimental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Motola
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mazzeo
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capuano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Filippelli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs