title: Prevalence of over-the-counter and complementary medication use in the otolaryngology preoperative patient: a patient safety initiative.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of over-the-counter and complementary and alternative medication use in the preoperative otolaryngology patient population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from preoperative surveys given to all patients undergoing surgery by a single physician with an academic practice over a 6-month period from March to September 2010. Responses were compiled and combined with demographic information obtained from the computer-based chart system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 92 patients, with ages ranging from 5 to 84 years old (average, 41), completed the survey. Fifty-three (58%) patients were female, and 39 (42%) were male. Forty-two (46%) patients reported the use of nonprescription medications, and 48% reported the use of multiple medications. Of those who reported using medication, 11 (26%) were male and 31 (74%) were female. The average age of nonprescription medication users was 49 years. The most commonly reported over-the-counter medications were aspirin and ibuprofen. The most commonly reported complementary and alternative medications were green tea, fish oil, and vitamin E.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of nonprescription medications in the otolaryngology preoperative population is very common, especially in the female patient. The most commonly reported medications are associated with serious potential complications, and awareness of their use is critical before the patient undergoes surgery.
authors.affiliation: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Manikandan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sugumaran
authors.forename: Justin C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Ashutosh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kacker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D061214:Patient Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs