Parental patterns of use of over the counter analgesics in children

Garvey, Aisling A.; Hawkes, Colin P.; Ryan, C.; Kelly, M.

Parental patterns of use of over the counter analgesics in children

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Published Version

Date

2013-05-01

Authors

Garvey, Aisling A.

Hawkes, Colin P.

Ryan, C.

Kelly, M.

Publisher

Irish Medical Organisation

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 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=32, 18%) listed as potential side-effects. Inappropriate use of OTCAs is prevalent in Irish children. Parents need more information and guidance on their use.

Keywords

Over-the-counter analgesics , Irish children , ~Medicine - Journal Articles~

Citation

Garvey, A., Hawkes, C. P., Ryan, C. and Kelly, M. (2013) 'Parental patterns of use of over the counter analgesics in children', Irish Medical Journal, 106(5), pp. 139-141. Available at: http://archive.imj.ie/ViewArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=10912 (Accessed: 30 November 2021)