Pharmacists' and Community Knowledge on The Safety and Halal Status of Pediatric Medications Containing Alcohol

Knowledge of the halal characteristics of products is crucial in assessing product quality, particularly within societies where this consideration is highly significant. In this context, the presence of alcohol in medicinal substances may considerably influence consumer preferences, due to potential implications for halal compliance and safety. This research aims to evaluate the awareness and understanding of these critical aspects among pharmacists and the wider community. This research employed a convenience sampling method, drawing from 180 participants within the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The sample included 100 community members with prior experience purchasing paediatric cough and flu syrups, alongside 80 community pharmacists. Data collection was conducted via a self-administered, paper-based questionnaire distributed between April and June 2023. Descriptive statistical methods were applied for data analysis. The research found that 76.1 of community participants demonstrated good knowledge regarding halal considerations for alcohol content in paediatric cough and flu syrups. Nonetheless, there was a notable gap in specific knowledge about the permissible alcohol levels for these medications to be deemed halal. Among community pharmacists, the findings revealed an average knowledge score of 73.88 concerning both health risks associated with alcohol in syrups and relevant halal criteria. However, pharmacists lacked sufficient understanding of the legally permitted alcohol limits in children�s medications and the potential blood alcohol concentration in paediatric patients following consumption. This research underscores the urgent need for pharmacists to deepen their understanding of alcohol content in paediatric formulations and to proactively share this information with the community. © © 2025 by Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy (IJP).