Parental patterns of use of over the counter analgesics in children

• Published in: Irish medical journal Vol. 106; no. 5; pp. 139 - 141
• Main Authors: Garvey, A A, Hawkes, C P, Ryan, C A, Kelly, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 01.05.2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Ireland; Male; Middle Aged; Nonprescription Drugs - therapeutic use; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ireland
• ISSN: 0332-3102

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's 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 =3 2, 18%) listed as potential side-effects. Inappropriate use of OTCAs is prevalent in Irish children. Parents need more information and guidance on their use.