Evaluating Cypriot Pharmacist’s Knowledge of Alcohol-Medication Interactions

Background: 

Many medications can interact when taken with alco-hol, thereby altering the metabolism and the medication effects. Howev-er, pharmacists’ knowledge about the alcohol-medication interactions have not yet been studied in the Republic of Cyprus. Objective: Our objective was to examine the pharmacists’ knowledge on possible alcohol-medication interactions and to uncover whether they are able to identify and/or counsel patients who may have high-risk alcohol behaviors. 

Methods: 

A self-administered questionnaire was developed, consist-ing of 37 questions, and distributed to Cypriot community pharmacists of the capital of Cyprus namely, Nicosia. All questions were based on 5-point Likert scale items and collected through electronic response re-ceipts. Three topics were evaluated and critically discussed: (i) Knowledge of community pharmacists about alcohol abuse and ability to counsel; (ii) Knowledge of community pharmacists about alcohol-med-ication interactions; and (iii) Past experiences of community pharmacists with heavy-alcohol drinkers.

Results: 

A total of 68 Cypriot pharmacists (males: 48.5% vs. females: 51.5%) participated in this study. Most pharmacists (n=44, 64.7%) agreed that they were confident in advising their patients about the harmful use of alcohol consumption. Some pharmacists (n=26, 38.2%) agreed to discuss the current alcohol guidelines with their patients and having the ability to advise them. Around 57% of the pharmacists (n=39/68) suggested to counsel Cypriot patients about the effects of alcohol-medication interactions. The vast majority of Cypriot pharmacists (85.3%) indicated that warfarin when taken with alcohol can cause “Internal haemorrhage”.

Conclusion: 

This study reports the first results on Cypriot pharmacist’s knowledge and views about alcohol-medication interactions. Although most Cypriot pharmacists are aware of most of the interactions, education should be a priority for community pharmacists in Cyprus in order to utilize primary health servicses.