Comprehension of Over-the-Counter Drug Label Warnings Concerning Consumption of Acetaminophen and Alcohol

Abstract

This study compared several existing acetaminophen-containing product labels to a revised label with additional perceptual features and more explicit text regarding an alcohol-related hazard. The existing labels differed generally according to the amount and explicitness of alcohol-related warning information. Two-hundred sixty participants from a flea and farmer's markets in Raleigh, NC were shown one of the labels and a knowledge questionnaire was completed. Results indicated that responses regarding the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen were more accurate by participants having viewed the revised label compared to the existing labels. There are implications for the design of effective over-the-counter drug labels stemming from this study.

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