Patients Are Unaware of Acetaminophen Content in Medications

Being unaware of which medications contain acetaminophen might lead to ingestion of more than the recommended daily dose.

Acetaminophen is a common component of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Consumers might be unaware of this fact, which could lead to inadvertent ingestion of more than the recommended daily dose. To assess consumer knowledge, researchers in London administered a standardized questionnaire to a convenience sample of 910 English-speaking patients older than 16 years who were awaiting care in an academic emergency department.

Participants were asked whether each of 15 commonly used OTC and prescription medications contains paracetamol (acetaminophen). Each correct response was awarded 1 point. The mean score was 6.5 out of a maximum of 15 (range, 0–14). Participants were also asked to state the recommended maximum daily…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)