Drug utilization evaluation of nonprescription H-2-receptor antagonists and alginate-containing preparations for dyspepsia

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.