Objective: To determine whether consumers are using nonprescription ibuprofen more predominantly to treat acute or chronic conditions, incidence of adverse effects, and whether a healthcare professional is providing patient information. Design: A questionnaire was developed and placed in 15 randomly selected community pharmacies in a major metropolitan area. Adult consumers who were purchasing an ibuprofen over-the-counter product or who had previously used an ibuprofen product were asked to complete a written questionnaire (n=190). The information collected included age, gender, prescription, and other over-the-counter drugs presently used, quantity, duration, present illnesses or conditions, both intended and past use of ibuprofen, and incidence of adverse reactions. Results: Most subjects who self-treated with ibuprofen were female (70.8 percent) with a mean age of 37 years. Consumers generally used ibuprofen for stress/tension headache (38.9 percent), menstrual cramps (34.2 percent), generalized pain (31.8 percent), or muscle strain/sprain (30.0 percent). Most (55.9 percent) took 400 mg when needed, and 42.2 percent used ibuprofen for a period of 24 hours. Counseling concerning ibuprofen use was provided by a physician (42.9 percent) or pharmacist (39.7 percent) in most cases. The label was read the majority of the time (75 percent), and everyone who read the label understood the printed information. Conclusions: The findings indicate that this community sample of consumers was using nonprescription ibuprofen appropriately for acute or as needed conditions over a short period of time. They experienced few adverse reactions to ibuprofen. Both pharmacists and physicians were providing patient information about ibuprofen. Counseling is needed regarding prescription and nonprescription drugs with a potential to interact with ibuprofen.
