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Over-the-counter oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A pharmacoepidemiologic study in southern Italy

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Abstract

The Pharmacoepidemiologic Service of the Second University of Naples analyzed the use and tolerability of over-the-counter (OTC) oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) purchased in Campania, a region of southern Italy. Forty private pharmacies uniformly distributed throughout the region were recruited. The study was conducted by means of a questionnaire completed by purchasers and lasted from December 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000; 2053 questionnaires were collected. The age of respondents averaged 45.3 ± 3.49 years (range, 17–85 years). The NSAIDs analyzed were acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, and piroxicam. Adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, were reported by 5.5% of the users and occurred primarily with diclofenac, piroxicam, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen. Because the use and availability of OTC NSAIDs are increasing, further studies of the tolerability of this important drug class are warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Pharmacoepidemiology Experimental Medicine Department Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli” Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Giulia Motola M.D., Francesco Russo Pharm.D., Filomena Mazzeo M.D., Barbara Rinaldi Ph.D., Annalisa Capuano M.D., Francesco Rossi M.D. & Amelia Filippelli M.D., Ph.D.

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  1. Giulia Motola M.D.
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  2. Francesco Russo Pharm.D.
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  3. Filomena Mazzeo M.D.
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  4. Barbara Rinaldi Ph.D.
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  5. Annalisa Capuano M.D.
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  6. Francesco Rossi M.D.
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  7. Amelia Filippelli M.D., Ph.D.
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Motola, G., Russo, F., Mazzeo, F. et al. Over-the-counter oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A pharmacoepidemiologic study in southern Italy. Adv Therapy 18, 216–222 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02853167

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