Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(1), pp. 73 - 80
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130107
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Understanding Unconventional Paracetamol Use in Saudi Arabia: Public Health Implications
Jisha M Lucca 1,2,*, Royes Joseph 2,3, Amjad Adil Almarzoug 2, Ali Saeed Alwayel 2, Feras Mamduh Almusajen 2
1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, UAE
2 Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
3 School of Medicine, Keele University, UK
ABSTRACT
Paracetamol is responsible for approximately one-fourth of all medication-related toxicity. This cross-sectional study was designed to explore patient preferences for uses of paracetamol for other indications and to identify knowledge gaps among users in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized an online survey, administered through Question PRO, targeting both Saudi citizens and residents who had consumed paracetamol in the previous six months. Out of 584 participants who started the survey, 518 (88.7%) were using paracetamol at least once, with 113 (21.8%) acknowledging off-label usage, and 13.5% obtaining it without a prescription. Notably, 25% of respondents used it in combination with caffeine, codeine, and chlorpheniramine. Among those who used paracetamol off-label, nearly half n=52 (46%) were using it as a sleep aid and (21.2%) used it prophylactically to prevent illness during travel. Other than that, people also use paracetamol for calming infants and boosting energy levels. A small percentage of users mixed paracetamol with smoking devices (3.5%) or energy drinks (1.8%). The survey also revealed significant knowledge gaps among the public regarding paracetamol use. More than half (56%) of them were uncertain about the information that paracetamol and acetaminophen are the same. One quarter of the (25%) participants knew the maximum daily dose. This study highlights the prevalence of unconventional or unlicensed uses of paracetamol, as well as the substantial knowledge gaps regarding its proper use. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to provide more comprehensive patient education on the risks associated with paracetamol, especially given its widespread availability and usage.
KEYWORDS
Paracetamol, Unlicensed Use, Off-label, Saudi Arabia, Public Health, Patient Education, Medication Toxicity
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jisha M Lucca , Royes Joseph , Amjad Adil Almarzoug , Ali Saeed Alwayel , Feras Mamduh Almusajen , "Understanding Unconventional Paracetamol Use in Saudi Arabia: Public Health Implications," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 73 - 80, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130107.
(b). APA Format:
Jisha M Lucca , Royes Joseph , Amjad Adil Almarzoug , Ali Saeed Alwayel , Feras Mamduh Almusajen (2025). Understanding Unconventional Paracetamol Use in Saudi Arabia: Public Health Implications. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(1), 73 - 80. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130107.