The Pattern of Sale and Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Rural and Urban Centres in Nigeria

Purpose: The widespread use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) has meant that the adverse effects of these relatively safe drugs have become increasingly prevalent. This work examines the pattern of sale and use of NSAIDs as to call for caution in cases of misuse that may lead to renal, gastrointestinal and cardiac damage in users. Methods: 56 drug outfit managers in patent medicine store, pharmacy, hospital drug unit and market centre visited in their outlets, were evaluated with respect to years of experience, educational level and registration status. 180 NSAIDs users were also assessed based on their perception and pattern of use of the drugs in view of their personally declared previously and diagnosed ailments. Results: 86% of the drug outfit managers had less than tertiary education with 59% of the sampled outfits being unregistered and unlicensed. 74% of the sample population procured their NSAIDs from sources where adequate pharmaceutical care is unlikely to be available in an observed situation where 79% have clinical conditions likely to be worsened by NSAID misuse.11.1 % of the respondents who are categorized as geriatrics ingest NSAIDs daily while over 23% of this class require more than two different NSAIDs at a time.Conclusion: Restriction in the sale, by way of reviewing the sale status, of NSAIDs will drastically reduce the rate at which the drugs are ingested. The possible gastrointestinal, renal and cardiac damage due to NSAID misuse requires evaluation so that the required level of caution can be exercised in the handling of the drugs.