J. Krska et al., Drug utilization evaluation of nonprescription H-2-receptor antagonists and alginate-containing preparations for dyspepsia, BR J CL PH, 49(4), 2000, pp. 363-368
Aims To evaluate the use, efficacy and adverse effects of nonprescription H
-2-receptor antagonists and alginate-containing preparations obtained from
community pharmacies.
Methods Questionnaires were distributed to customers from 39 pharmacies in
Scotland and Wales.
Results Of 767 customers recruited, 608 (79.3%) returned an initial questio
nnaire and 472 (61.5%) customers a second questionnaire. The vast majority
of respondents (424, 69.7%) had suffered their symptoms on three or more oc
casions and 369 (60.7%) had previously tried medicines to relieve their sym
ptoms. Referrals to a doctor were less frequent than recommended in guideli
nes and few of those who were referred actually saw a doctor. Over a quarte
r of those returning the second questionnaire claimed to be taking more tha
n one product simultaneously for symptom control. Eight customers who were
taking prescribed ulcer-healing drugs obtained H-2-receptor antagonists. Th
e majority of respondents (355/472, 75.2%) obtained some or complete sympto
m relief using the product obtained and 369/472 (78.2%) were completely sat
isfied with their product. H-2-receptor antagonists were more likely to pro
duce complete relief of symptoms than alginate-containing preparations (P <
0.05). Only 14 respondents (3.0%) reported side-effects from the product u
sed which were mostly gastro-intestinal.
Conclusions The study demonstrated that drug utilization studies are feasib
le to carry out in a community pharmacy setting. While the results support
published evidence of the efficacy and minimal toxicity of these products,
they also highlight the possibility of H-2-receptor antagonists being used
outwith their licenced indications.