Over-the-counter Medications

Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medications are used for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of discomfort or disease. Unlike Rx drugs, OTC medicines are usually used to treat self-limiting conditions-that is, problems that will eventually go away on their own. Therefore, OTC drugs are focused more on controlling symptoms of various ailments, such as aches, pain and colds.

Rx drugs, on the other hand, are usually prescribed for conditions that will not clear up on their own, such as serious infections. Like OTC medicines, however, many RX drugs are for symptomatic relief of chronic conditions such as pain. Due to public demand, in the last ten years, many Rx cough and cold medicines, pain relievers and ointments and creams have been reclassified as OTC drugs.

At present, there are more than 300, 000 OTC products on the market, and more are being added every day. The phenomenal growth in the OTC market can be attributed to genuine developments in pharmacology, as well as to the public's growing insistence on having a "pill for every ill."

Even though they are not as potent as Rx medicines, OTC drugs nevertheless have powerful main effects and often serious side-effects. Both OTC and Rx drugs must be taken properly. The labels must be examined thoroughly and carefully followed.

The very real side effects of OTC drugs, coupled with the reality of their use for many conditions that will ultimately clear up on their own, has prompted many health professionals to encourage the public to consider non-drug alternatives to OTC medicines whenever possible.

Categories of OTC Medications
The following list includes six major categories of OTC medications. It provides some common types of analgesics (pain relievers) and cough and cold medications. It also lists side-effects of some medications.

• Analgesics
  • aspirin
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Cough and cold medications
  • antitussives to calm coughing reflex
  • expectorants to loosen phlegm
  • decongestants to relieve nasal stuffiness
  • antihistamines to reduce congestion and help dry a runny nose
• Allergy and asthma medications
  • antihistamines to reduce congestion and help dry runny noses
  • decongestants to relieve nasal stuffiness
• Laxatives
  • constipation due to chronic reliance on laxatives
  • reduced absorption of nutrients from diet
• Antacids
  • disturb kidney function
  • aggravate high blood pressure
• Appetite suppressants
  • aggravate high blood pressure
  • disturb heart rhythms
• Stimulants
  • insomnia and anxiety
  • withdrawal symptoms (as in reducing caffeine after prolonged use)

Safe Use of OTC and Prescription Medicines

When giving or taking any medicine, the following precautions should be observed.

• Be sure to give the correct dose at the correct interval.
  • Read the label every time-always check for the proper dose. Pour liquid medicines from the side away from the label, so the medicine won't drip down and cover the label.
  • Measure correctly.
    • Know the abbreviations for Tablespoon (Tbsp.) and Teaspoon (Tsp.) and don't confuse them.
    • Use the correct measuring tool for the recommended dose. For example: if the dose is 2 tsp. and your measuring tool only shows c.c.s or ounces, find another measuring tool. Be sure to use a measuring teaspoon, not a serving spoon.
• Check with the doctor or pharmacist before adding any new medicine. The doctor may not be aware of other medicines you are taking, so list the medicines you currently take, including OTC medicines. Ask the pharmacist about using any OTC medication if you are taking other prescription or OTC medicines.
• Use the child-resistant cap, and re-lock the cap after each use.
• Check medicine packages for signs of tampering.
• Ask your physician which OTC products you should avoid. Ingredients that may be safe for most people may be harmful for people with health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies, asthma, or for people who are taking certain kinds of prescriptions. Ingredients in OTC medications can interact with those in the prescription medicine and either cause the prescription medication to become ineffective or create a dangerous situation. For example, products containing aspirin should not be taken if
  • You are taking blood-thinning medicine, because aspirin delays blood-clotting time.
  • You have an ulcer; aspirin may cause severe bleeding.
  • You have asthma.
  • You are 19 years old or younger (aspirin is associated with Reye's Syndrome).
  • You are having surgery within two weeks (potential for excess bleeding).