Consumer knowledge of over-the-counter phenazopyridine.
BACKGROUND
Effective use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications depends on purchasers' knowledge of their indications. This study examines consumer knowledge regarding the urinary tract analgesic phenazopyridine, which recently became available without prescription.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a stratified cluster random sample of purchasers of OTC phenazopyridine (N = 434) in 31 Los Angeles retail pharmacies.


RESULTS
The response rate was 58%. Only 42% correctly characterized the likely cause of their symptoms, and only 57% correctly characterized the action of the drug. Worse consumer knowledge was associated with nonwhite race, first-time use, and less contact with health providers.


CONCLUSIONS
Many consumers possess poor knowledge about phenazopyridine, potentially leading to undertreatment, especially in groups with worse access to care.
Shi
Chih-Wen
CW
Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, Mailcode-0807, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. cwshi@ucsd.edu
Asch
Steven M
SM
Fielder
Eve
E
Gelberg
Lillian
L
Nichol
Michael B
MB
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010621:Phenazopyridine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010621:Phenazopyridine