Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: a survey of patients' perceptions and understanding.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to investigate patients' perceptions and understanding on the appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen.


METHODS
In this pilot study, a self-administered anonymous survey was completed by 183 patients presenting at one of the eight selected community pharmacy premises in South Australia and the Northern Territory during the study. The questionnaire comprised items on: demographics (age, gender), current medications, frequency of ibuprofen use, medical consultations, reading manufacturer's printed dosage/warning instructions, sources from which drug information was gathered and understanding of common indications for ibuprofen.


RESULTS
Sixty per cent of patients (n = 110/183), predominantly females, were currently on other medications and 64.5% of patients (n = 118/183) did not seek medical advice before using non-prescription ibuprofen. Seventy-one per cent (n = 130) of these patients had used ibuprofen for more than a year. The majority of patients did not provide precise answers for the common indications of ibuprofen. Sixty-six per cent of patients (n = 110) reported rarely or never reading manufacturer's printed warning instructions on the potential drug interactions or adverse effects associated with the use of the product.


CONCLUSIONS
Many patients are unaware that non-presciption analgesics such as ibuprofen can cause potentially serious adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications.
Ngo
Suong N T
SN
School of Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia. suong.ngo@adelaide.edu.au
Stupans
Ieva
I
Leong
Wei Sin
WS
Osman
Marwa
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012646:Self Administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D007052:Ibuprofen