Table 3.
Disparities in the Responses of Users of Medical Prescriptions (MP) Versus Those Who Used Over the Counter (OTC) Mucolytics
| Question | Answers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| When did you use it? | At a time when I had a lot of mucus | I often use it even when I do not have a lot of mucus | No answer | |||
| MP 55% OTC 48% | MP 44% OTC 48% | MP 2% OTC 1% | ||||
| Which formulation do you prefer | Capsules | Water-soluble granulate sachets | Effervescent/dispersible tablets (which dissolve in water) | Aerosol ampoule | No answer | |
| MP 18% OTC 30% | MP 38% OTC 41% | MP 30% OTC 21% | MP 12% OTC 8% | MP 1% OTC 0% | ||
| Why did you express this preference? | I prefer to dissolve the medicine in water, as this helps me to stay hydrated as recommended | I prefer capsules so there is no aftertaste of the solutions in my mouth | I prefer capsules to make sure the medicine is completely absorbed | I prefer capsules because they are more convenient to carry and take | I prefer aerosol because I cannot swallow | No answer |
| MP 66% OTC 58% | MP 5% OTC 8% | MP 2% OTC 4% | MP 14% OTC 22% | MP 9% OTC 3% | MP 4% OTC 3% | |
| For how many days do you use these drugs? | Less than 5 | Between 5 and 10 | More than 10 days | I finish the packet | ||
| MP 9% OTC 14% | MP 34% OTC 37% | MP 28% OTC 16% | MP 29% OTC 33% | |||