Parents' conception of their use of over-the-counter medicines.

To explore their hypothetical responses to management of fever or nasal congestion in their children, 109 patients were interviewed in a clinic waiting-room area. Most parents said they would medicate their children in these situations without first consulting a health professional. Parents were more willing to administer a drug product for fever than for nasal congestion, especially to children under 2 years of age. Although most parents selected appropriate medications for these situations, many were poorly informed about these drugs and falsely attributed germicidal and decongestant properties to aspirin and Tylenol. Younger, less educated, indigent parents in lower-status occupations were the least well informed. Pediatricians need to prepare parents for their role as health care providers.