Patterns of use and public perception of over-the-counter pain relievers: focus on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

摘要: Objective To assess the frequency and indications for over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use to what degree public is aware of their side effects. Methods Two surveys totaling 9062 respondents were performed American public. The Roper survey, conducted in 1997, National Consumers League (NCL) December 2002, intended primarily public's attitudes toward NSAID OTC analgesics. Results Ibuprofen based drugs most frequently used both (57% Roper, 33% NCL). In 17% NSAID, with 38% using prescription OTC. Forty-six percent exclusive users believed safer, while 56% they safer. Sixty 29% neither nor at risk effects from respectively. Twenty-six more than recommended dose on label, 22% warning symptoms would always precede any induced complications. NCL 83% had an agent last year, 15% reporting daily use, 49% not concerned about potential this 30% there was less analgesics, 44% consumed dosage label. Conclusion analgesics including are widely used, taken inappropriately potentially dangerously, generally unaware adverse Educational intervention directed patients physicians appears warranted.