Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol in self-therapy of various disorders in students of different fields of study

Abstract

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol are most commonly the first-line pharmacotherapy in combating different pain and inflammatory disorders and fever. Unfortunately, those drugs might have serious side effects, especially when they are used in an inappropriate way. The aim of the study was to explore various aspects of NSAIDs and paracetamol use in the self-therapy of miscellaneous disorders in young adults. The questionnaire-based survey comprised 250 consecutive students aged 22.1 ± 1.9 years (189 women) of diverse fields of study. The drugs were applied in clinical conditions in which they should be avoided including asthma attack (1.2%), vomiting (2.4%), malaise and depression (3.6%), in autumn and winter as a preventive measure against infections (14.0%), heart-burn (2.0%) and during food poisoning (16.0%). As many as 6.0% of the students claimed that studied medications are ultimately free of adverse reactions. Men more frequently than women used NSAIDs and paracetamol during alcohol consumption (49.2% vs 30.7%, p = 0.009, respectively) but less often were aware that there are maximum doses of medications which should not be exceeded (57.4% vs 76.7%, p = 0.003, respectively). The students of medical-related degree courses (n = 82) compared with individuals of other subjects (n = 168) declared they more often have the custom of always reading medications' leaflets (46.3% vs 31.0%, p = 0.017, respectively). Side effects of medicines were reported by 65 participants - 26.0%. In conclusion, students' knowledge about NSAIDs and paracetamol is low. Participants do not search for information on drug related endangerments, the medication group choice for the given disorder is often inappropriate and the drugs are applied in conditions in which they are contraindicated.

Keywords: adverse effects; alcohol; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; package leaflet; paracetamol; questionnaire.