Survey to Asses Iraqi Pharmacists Information about Acetaminophen

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol/acetaminophen is sold over-the-counter in both mono- and multi-component formulations. It is among the most popular and widely used analgesic and antipyretic medications in the world. Those who cannot be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). Medicines are advised to use it. The purpose of the current study was to examine and appraise pharmacists in Iraq's knowledge of the most popular medicine, acetaminophen.

Method: By posting a Google form on social media, whatsapp, and telegram and sending the link to all the medical groups of pharmacists, the survey research's data was gathered on October 29, 2021. We asked the Iraqi pharmacists 16 questions, 12 of which were regarding their knowledge of acetaminophen. Four of the questions concerned the pharmacists' characteristics (age, gender, degree, and government). On February 1, 2022, the survey research came to an end

Results: The researches received 145 surveys from different Iraqi Governorates. Twenty to thirty years old make up 97%. 56.6 percent of respondents thought acetaminophen placed future fetuses at risk for ADHD, whereas 43.4 percent actually thought it did. 34.5 percent agreed that chronic acetaminophen usage by pregnant women is safe for the fetus, compared to 65.5 percent who disagreed. While 16.6 percent of respondents disagreed, 83.4 percent of respondents said acetaminophen was safe for expectant mothers.

Conclusion: Most pharmacists had not good information about mechanism of acetaminophen action, while they knew that Acetaminophen active metabolite (APAP) cause liver damage. The study had been showed that most pharmacist were aware about OTC medication .However, about one-third of them had inadequate knowledge of how acetaminophen affects the fetus and may result in ADHD in addition to other acetaminophen indications