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KMID : 0941820130230010049
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Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2013 Volume.23 No. 1 p.49 ~ p.56
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Patterns of Over-the-Counter Drug Use and Interactions between Over-the-Counter Drugs and Prescription Drugs in Adults Visiting a Community Pharmacy
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Chae Min-Kyoung
Bang Joon-Seok
Lee Yu-Jeung
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Abstract
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Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patterns of Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and their interactions with prescription drugs in adults visiting a community pharmacy.
Method: The subjects were 151 adults aged over 20 years visiting a community pharmacy in Asan-si from December 16th 2011 to February 1st 2012. We used a survey questionnaire. The survey inquired about the prevalence and the details of any OTC drug use and the characteristics of the study subjects. The drug interaction classification system from Lexicomp’s Lexi-interact data fields was used to identify OTC drugs likely to have clinically significant interactions with prescription drugs.
Results: The patterns of OTC drug use were related to thirties (from 30 to 40 years old), female gender, higher education, non-smoking, sometimes use of alcohol, and self-perceived normal health status. The most commonly used OTC drug category was antipyretic-analgesics (n=104, 53.3%), and the most commonly used ingredient was acetaminophen (n=67, 64.4%). The biggest motivation for taking OTC drugs was suggestion by pharmacists, reported by 55.6%. After reviewing each patient’s prescription drugs and OTC drugs, 14 patients (36.8%) of 38 patients using prescription drugs were taking drug combinations with potential for clinically significant interactions. The concomitant use of OTC drugs with prescription drugs may lead to increased potentially harmful interactions.
Conclusion: It is suggested that health-care professionals should be more aware of the potential and possible interactions and take into better account their patients’ OTC drug use.
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KEYWORD
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over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, interactions, community pharmacy
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