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Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: A survey of patients' perceptions and understanding

Ngo, Suong Ngoc-Thi, Stupans, Ieva, Leong, Wei Sin and Osman, Marwa (2010). Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: A survey of patients' perceptions and understanding. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice,18(1):63-65.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Scopus Citation Count Cited 6 times in Scopus Article | Citations

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Title Appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen: A survey of patients' perceptions and understanding
Author Ngo, Suong Ngoc-Thi
Stupans, Ieva
Leong, Wei Sin
Osman, Marwa
Journal Name International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
Publication Date 2010
Volume Number 18
Issue Number 1
ISSN 0961-7671   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-77949589583
Start Page 63
End Page 65
Total Pages 3
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Abstract Objectives
The aim was to investigate patients' perceptions and understanding on the appropriate use of non-prescription ibuprofen.

Methods
In this pilot study, a self-administered anonymous survey was completed by 183 patients presenting at one of the eight selected community pharmacy premises in South Australia and the Northern Territory during the study. The questionnaire comprised items on: demographics (age, gender), current medications, frequency of ibuprofen use, medical consultations, reading manufacturer's printed dosage/warning instructions, sources from which drug information was gathered and understanding of common indications for ibuprofen.

Key findings
Sixty per cent of patients (n= 110/183), predominantly females, were currently on other medications and 64.5% of patients (n= 118/183) did not seek medical advice before using non-prescription ibuprofen. Seventy-one per cent (n= 130) of these patients had used ibuprofen for more than a year. The majority of patients did not provide precise answers for the common indications of ibuprofen. Sixty-six per cent of patients (n= 110) reported rarely or never reading manufacturer's printed warning instructions on the potential drug interactions or adverse effects associated with the use of the product.

Conclusions
 Many patients are unaware that non-presciption analgesics such as ibuprofen can cause potentially serious adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications
Keywords Adverse reactions
Drug interactions
Ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1211/ijpp/18.01.0011   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Fri, 29 Aug 2014, 17:39:28 CST by Anthony Hornby