Assessment of Qatar community pharmacists' competence and practices related to renal and gastrointestinal adverse effects of nonprescription NSAIDs.

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently dispensed nonprescription drugs in community pharmacies. However, inappropriate use of NSAIDs by consumers has been associated with development of gastrointestinal (GI) injuries and renal injuries. Community pharmacists' education of consumers on proper use of NSAIDs and their associated adverse effects has been shown to reduce the GI and renal injuries.