DRUG USE BEHAVIORS AND POTENTIAL RISK OF HEPATOTOXICITY: A CASE STUDY OF PARACETAMOL IN CHIANG MAI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/tbps.2018.11Keywords:
paracetamol, use behavior, potential risk of hepatotoxicityAbstract
Paracetamol is an antipyretic and analgesic medication commonly used and considered to be safe. It is therefore classified as a nonprescription drug and is available in drugstores and convenience stores. However, reports regarding unsafe use of paracetamol are increasing, leading to risks for people using this medication. This research aimed to survey the behavior of use and potential risks of hepatotoxicity from paracetamol among people in Chiang Mai in order to reflect the pattern of use of this well-known and easily accessible drug. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used, and data were collected from interviews in 2014. The subjects were people living in Chiang Mai aged between 18-80, who had taken or were currently taking paracetamol, and who were willing to participate in the study. Out of the 416 people included, most used paracetamol for the relief of fever or headaches, accounting for 85.3 and 75.2 percent respectively. Most of the subjects (51.9 percent) took 2 tablets of 500 milligrams of paracetamol each time. Regarding intervals of administration, the subjects used various methods including every so many hours, or at meal times. Labels or leaflets are important sources of information about paracetamol. 40.4 percent of users read the label every time they bought the drug, whereas 47.6 percent read the label occasionally. In terms of purchasing behavior, most users (77.9 percent) purchased less than 30 tablets at a time. The potential of hepatotoxicity from paracetamol were mostly found among those consuming greater than 4 grams per day (29.8 percent), followed by concomitant use with other drugs containing paracetamol (26.7 percent). Minimal potential included the use of paracetamol in combination with alcoholic beverages (6.3 percent) and malnutrition (1.0 percent). In conclusion, even though paracetamol is a common medication with which most Thais are familiar, some users still take it incorrectly leading to potential of hepatotoxicity. Healthcare professionals, in particular pharmacists, should therefore provide patient education on the safe use of the medication regularly.
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