The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7213 p269
31 August 2002

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

News summary

Related websites
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (more)

Patients have a poor knowledge of the potential side effects of OTC medicines

PATIENTS have a poor knowledge of the possible side effects of over-the-counter (OTC) medication, according to the results of a study published in this month's Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2002;27:243).

Researchers from the Welsh school of pharmacy, Cardiff University, interviewed 32 patients about their OTC drug use and the potential side effects associated with these medicines. Patients had been predominantly using cough and cold remedies and analgesics, and generally had a good understanding of their own illnesses.

However, knowledge of potential drug side effects was variable. Only three of the four antihistamine users, one of the five ibuprofen users and the decongestant user were able to name any of the side effects associated with their medicines.

In addition, only three of the interviewed patients had read the patient information leaflet (PIL) supplied with the medicine. Some patients said they would only read the PIL if the medicine was new to them, or if they experienced any side effects after taking it. Despite this, the patients still managed to identify adverse drug reactions successfully, either because of the timing of the reaction or the unexpected nature of its symptoms.

Most of those interviewed said they got much of their information on side effects verbally from friends, family or from their colleagues. But the researchers warn that untrained friends and relatives are unlikely to provide accurate advice and information and conclude that pharmacists, and other health care professionals, should consider providing accurate counselling to patients about the potential side effects of OTC medicines.