Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1981

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Publication type: Journal Article

Motola G, Mazzeo F, Rinaldi B, Capuano A, Rossi S, Russo F, Vitelli MR, Rossi F, Filippelli A.
Self-prescribed laxative use: a drug-utilization review.
Adv Ther 2002 Sep-Oct; 19:(5):203-8
https://www.advancesintherapy.com/frame.asp?https://www.advancesintherapy.com/detail.aspx?ID=272

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the reasons for the choice of self-prescribed laxatives and to acquire information on how they were used and tolerated. From November 1999 to February 2000, 70 pharmacies, uniformly located throughout the Campania region of southern Italy, distributed a questionnaire to purchasers of over-the-counter laxatives. The average age of the (mostly female) respondents was 45.9 years; 23.8% were elderly. Among the 7324 individuals who completed the survey, 77.6% selected an oral product; 22.4% preferred rectal administration. A physician influenced the choice of a laxative in 37.7% of the cases, a pharmacist in 20.5%; other suggestions came from relatives (14%), acquaintances (12.1%), advertisements (11.7%), and miscellaneous sources (4%). Only 59.8% of respondents used these drugs correctly, and 58.2% consulted a physician or pharmacist because of constipation. Adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, occurred in 6.1% of those surveyed. The long-term use or abuse of laxatives can cause serious medical consequences, as well as mask diseases, delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Physicians, pharmacists, and other health-care personnel should counsel patients on the proper use of these easily available, ubiquitous drugs.

Keywords:
Adolescent Adult Aged Cathartics/adverse effects Cathartics/therapeutic use* Constipation/drug therapy Constipation/etiology Data Collection Drug Utilization Drugs, Non-Prescription/adverse effects Drugs, Non-Prescription/therapeutic use* Female Humans Italy Male Middle Aged Self Medication* analytic survey *cross-sectional study Italy over-the-counter medications laxatives doctors pharmacists DTCA direct-to-consumer advertising underdiagnosis undertreatment INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: WEIGHT GAIN AND LOSS PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING