A large percentage of Irish people are unaware of the possible dangers attached to inappropriate use of over-the-counter medicines, according to a survey published yesterday.
Carried out by Landsdowne Market Research, the survey found 64 per cent of women were incorrect in their assumptions about the safety of taking paracetamol during pregnancy.
Furthermore, 46 per cent of people believed children could be given aspirin but it should never be given to children under 12.
It also showed people were often unaware that their illness could be appropriately treated by taking an over-the-counter remedy instead of going to their GP.
It found almost one in four people with flu will visit their family doctor when effective remedies are available without a prescription.
Some 22 per cent were unaware effective medication for diarrhoea was available over the counter and 60 per cent believed thrush medication required a visit to their GP when it was available from a pharmacy.
Details of the research was published to coincide with the launch of a new household guide to non-prescription medicines, Know Your Medicine.
It provides detailed information on many of the medicines offered for sale over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets for ailments ranging from coughs and colds to skin conditions, pain relief and stomach upsets.
The active ingredients in each medication are also listed, with clear warnings about their potential dangers including possible interactions with other drugs, dosage and side effects.
In addition, the 270-page guide gives information on the drugs payment scheme, qualifying for a medical card, accessing BreastCheck and the national cervical screening programme, and the childhood vaccination programme.
It also lists and gives contact details for many of the support groups available to patients from Alcoholics Anonymous to Schizophrenia Ireland.
The book is edited by Prof Graham G Shaw, Professor of Pharmacology at Trinity College, Dublin.
It is published by ╔ireann Healthcare Publications and retails at £7.95.