A Study of Community Pharmacists Awareness of Painkillers and Their Effects on Patients With Kidney Failure

Abstract

Background and Objective: Community pharmacists are the frontline of healthcare, especially in the management of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This study aims to evaluate the level of professional awareness among community pharmacists in Dhamar City regarding the nephrotoxic risks associated with various analgesics and their clinical practices when dealing with renal impairment cases. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of 110 community pharmacists in Dhamar City. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS (Version 26) ) to determine frequencies, percentages, and clinical correlations. Results: The findings revealed a high level of awareness (97.3%) regarding the risks of traditional NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac and Ibuprofen). However, significant gaps were identified in recognizing advanced uremic symptoms such as "metallic taste" (52.7%) and the safety profiles of opioid analgesics like Fentanyl. Statistically, 63.6% of pharmacists reported encountering more than three renal patients per month, emphasizing the vital role of the pharmacist in this setting. While 92.7% of pharmacists provide safe alternatives, nearly 38% do not consistently screen for renal history before dispensing analgesics. Conclusion: The study concludes that while foundational pharmacological knowledge is strong, there is an urgent need for standardized clinical protocols and continuous education focusing on renal pharmacy. Enhancing the pharmacist's role in patient screening could significantly reduce the incidence of drug-induced kidney injury in the community.