title: Parental patterns of use of over the counter analgesics in children.
abstract: Over-The-Counter Analgesics (OTCA) account for over a fifth of Irish pharmacy sales. Little is known about patterns of use, specifically in children. This study investigated parents' use of OTCAs in children. A questionnaire exploring use of OTCAs and knowledge of side-effects was distributed to guardians of children attending three GP surgeries in South of Ireland from June-September 2010. The questionnaire was completed by 183 parents (response rate 95%). Many respondents (n = 121, 66.1%) were using analgesics when not required or using an inappropriate analgesic for a child's symptom. Private patients demonstrated better use (n = 31, 40%) than those with Medical Cards (n = 18, 22.5%) (p = 0.016). Identification of potential side-effects was poor, with drowsiness (n = 88, 49%), rash (n = 39, 22%) and nausea (n =3 2, 18%) listed as potential side-effects. Inappropriate use of OTCAs is prevalent in Irish children. Parents need more information and guidance on their use.
authors.affiliation: Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Garvey
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hawkes
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs