SUMMARY
Worldwide, self-medication has been a rising trend and irrational use of the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is a cause of great concern for public health agencies (Kumar et al., 2013; Wazaify, Shields, Hughes, and McElnay, 2005). In modernistic years, innumerable drugs have been available on an over-the-counter basis, inclusive of the drugs that were available merely through prescription in the past (Brass, 2001).
Paracetamol is the most frequently used OTC drug in deliberate self-poisoning (Hawton et al., 1995). Paracetamol poisoning can occur at recommended therapeutic doses and multiple therapeutic or supra therapeutic doses (Lubel et al., 2007). An alarming concern in recent years is that, unintentional overdose, rather than intentional overdose have been the main cause of paracetamol induced ALF (acute liver failure) (Jalan et al., 2007).
This study was carried out ascertain the awareness, explore the perceptions and knowledge among educated adults (university students) regarding the most common OTC analgesic ‘Acetaminophen’ available with a brand name of panadol and paracetamol. University students were selected for this study because the authors wanted to emphasis the fact that even the educated adults of the community have not sufficient information regarding the OTC drugs. Moreover, the authors believe, that lack of knowledge among the community members could be one of the biggest reasons of the misuse of OTC drugs. Our results offer an indirect estimation of likelihood of overuse and misuse among our general population (which is not well educated) via the knowledge level of educated adult users (university students).
