Document Type
Article (Restricted)
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by consumers who obtained these drugs from community pharmacies. Factors that influenced community pharmacists in their choice of NSAIDs were also determined. Personal interviews were conducted on consumers who visited the 25 participating community pharmacies throughout Malaysia. Of the 389 respondents, 49 requested for an NSAID by name, 42 asked the pharmacist to recommend a medication and 9 had a doctor's prescription. NSAIDs were mainly purchased for joint/shoulder pain and the most commonly dispensed was diclofenac. Elderly respondents were more likely to be dispensed a selective COX-2 inhibitor than those below 60. NSAIDs were recommended based mainly on the pharmacist's perception of their efficacy, cost and safety. Community pharmacists play an important role in assisting patients in choosing the most appropriate NSAID for their health problems.
Keywords
Adolescent Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/*therapeutic use Child Choice Behavior *Community Pharmacy Services Female Humans Interviews as Topic Malaysia Male Middle Aged
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
17
Issue
2
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Additional Information
Chua, S S Paraidathathu, T eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't China 2006/01/24 09:00 Asia Pac J Public Health. 2005;17(2):117-23.