title: Survey of patient knowledge related to acetaminophen recognition, dosing, and toxicity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess patient knowledge regarding acetaminophen dosing, toxicity, and recognition of acetaminophen-containing products.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Alabama, January 2007 to February 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  284 patients at four outpatient medical facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  12-item investigator-administered questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Degree of patient knowledge regarding acetaminophen safety, dosing recommendations, toxicity, alternative names and abbreviations, and products.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-thirds of the 284 patients completing the survey reported current or recent use of pain, cold, or allergy medication. Of these, 25% reported knowing the active ingredient. Of patients, 46% and 13% knew that "acetaminophen" and "APAP," respectively, were synonymous with "Tylenol." Several patients (12%) believed that ingesting a harmful amount of acetaminophen was difficult or impossible. One-third of patients correctly identified the maximum daily dose, 10% reported a dose greater than 4 g, 25% were unsure of the dose, and 7% were unsure whether a maximum dose existed. One-half recognized liver damage as the primary toxicity. Results were similar between acetaminophen users and nonusers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Deficiencies were found in patient knowledge regarding acetaminophen recognition, dosing, and potential for toxicity. The development of effective educational initiatives is warranted to ensure patient awareness and limit the potential for acetaminophen overdose.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. hornslb@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Lori B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Hornsby
authors.forename: Heather P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Whitley
authors.forename: E Kelly
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Hester
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donaldson
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000407:Alabama; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004348:Drug Labeling; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen