14/11/2024
Welcome to another edition of Know Your Medication! Today, we’re diving into the important topic of medication MISUSE and ABUSE using a common pain reliever, paracetamol. Take a moment to think about this scenario:
Alex went to see his doctor for a persistent headache and was prescribed paracetamol (PCM) with instructions to take 500 mg every 6 hours as needed, but not to exceed 4 doses (2000 mg) in 24 hours.
After starting the prescription, Alex felt his headache wasn’t improving quickly enough, so he began taking 500 mg every 3 hours instead of every 6 hours, hoping it would work faster.
Meanwhile, Alex’s friend Jordan also had paracetamol from a previous prescription. Even though he didn’t have a headache, Jordan started taking it each night, thinking it would help him relax.
Which of the following best describes Alex's and Jordan's behavior?
A. Alex’s behavior is drug misuse, and Jordan’s behavior is drug abuse.
B. Both Alex’s and Jordan’s behavior are drug misuse.
C. Both Alex’s and Jordan’s behavior are drug abuse.
D. Neither Alex’s nor Jordan’s behavior involves misuse or abuse.
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