Abstract
Acetaminophen is a well-known as analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is considered to be safe when administered within its therapeutic range. However, in cases of intoxication, hepatotoxicity can occur. This was a cross-sectional study including persons who went to a pharmacy of Conakry to buy acetaminophen without a prescription. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Good use, good knowledge, and overdose scores were evaluated based on the questionnaires. Data from 355 persons with a median age of 35.0 years who presented themselves for the purchase of acetaminophen for self-medication in 43 private pharmacies were analyzed. The main reasons for taking acetaminophen at home were headaches (60.3%) and various pains (48.5%). Over third (34.9%) said that they were not in any danger from excessive consumption of acetaminophen. Only 20.8% of patients had good knowledge of acetaminophen (score > 80%). Women scored higher than men (43.1% vs. 28.1%; p = 0.008). Almost 43% had no information on the risk associated with excessive acetaminophen consumption. The results also reveal a significant association between acetaminophen use and information sources (p < 0.05). Respondents who had good knowledge of acetaminophen were better users than those who did not have good knowledge of acetaminophen (p < 0.001). Study showed low level of knowledge about acetaminophen and low proportion of people who have information about the consequences of using large doses of this drug. It therefore seems necessary to remind caregivers of the important role they must play in reinforcing the safe use of acetaminophen in self-medication.
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