Knowledge of appropriate acetaminophen doses and potential toxicities in an adult clinic population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the knowledge of appropriate doses and potential toxicities of acetaminophen and assess the ability to recognize products containing acetaminophen in an adult outpatient setting.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, prospective study.


METHODS
University adult general internal medicine (AGIM) clinic.


METHODS
104 adult patients presenting to the clinic over consecutive weekdays in December 2003.


METHODS
Three-page, written questionnaire.


METHODS
Ability of patients to identify maximum daily doses and potential toxicities of acetaminophen and recognize products that contain acetaminophen.


RESULTS
A large percentage of participants (68.3%) reported pain on a daily or weekly basis, and 78.9% reported use of acetaminophen in the past 6 months. Only 2 patients correctly identified the maximum daily dose of regular acetaminophen, and just 3 correctly identified the maximum dose of extra-strength acetaminophen. Furthermore, 28 patients were unsure of the maximum dose of either product. Approximately 63% of participants either had not received or were unsure whether information on the possible danger of high doses of acetaminophen had been previously provided to them. When asked to identify potential problems associated with high doses of acetaminophen, 43.3% of patients noted the liver would be affected. The majority of the patients (71.2%) recognized Tylenol as containing acetaminophen, but fewer than 15% correctly identified Vicodin, Darvocet, Tylox, Percocet, and Lorcet as containing acetaminophen.


CONCLUSIONS
Although nearly 80% of this AGIM population reported recent acetaminophen use, their knowledge of the maximum daily acetaminophen doses and potential toxicities associated with higher doses was poor and appeared to be independent of education level, age, and race. This indicates a need for educational efforts to all patients receiving acetaminophen-containing products, especially since the ability to recognize multi-ingredient products containing acetaminophen was likewise poor.
Stumpf
Janice L
JL
Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Michigan Health System, UH B2D301, Box 0008, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0008, USA. Jlstumpf@umich.edu
Skyles
Amy J
AJ
Alaniz
Cesar
C
Erickson
Steven R
SR
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen