What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medicines?
Just because a medicine available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take, the FDA says. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
1. How are prescription medicines different from OTC ones?
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Prescription
medicines require a doctor or other healthcare provider to monitor both how well they
work and possible side effects.
2. You should follow certain precautions when you self-treat with
OTCs. What should you do?
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3. Aspirin can cause problems with which of these
conditions?
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Aspirin and
other salicylates can bring on severe asthma attacks in sensitive people. People with
nasal polyps also may have breathing problems. Others at risk are those who have high
blood pressure. Children and teens shouldn't be given aspirin because of its link
to
Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal illness.
4. People allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to which other
OTC(s)?
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Allergic
reactions may include a rash, itching, and breathing problems.
5. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and
other OTC medicines such as acetaminophen,safely for how long before seeing a healthcare
provider for a diagnosis?
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Keep track of
how many days in a row s you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen,
the
FDA says. If you're still having problems after 7 to 10 days, see your healthcare
provider. Seek medical care sooner if your symptoms get worse during those 7 to 10
days.
6. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause gastric
distress, but an overdose of as little as 4 grams can lead to irreversible liver
disease. Who is most at risk?
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If you take
more than an occasional dose of acetaminophen, don't drink alcohol. Overdoses of
acetaminophen alone are toxic to the liver. Alcohol in combination with recommended
dosages of acetaminophen may be toxic to the liver.
7. Antacids often are taken for digestive problems. What is the
greatest danger?
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Antacids can
increase or decrease the rate that other medicines are absorbed, or how well they
are
absorbed, or both. Another danger with taking antacids for long periods without a
diagnosis is that they may mask a more serious problem, such as an ulcer, or esophageal
or stomach cancer.
8. Older adults are especially vulnerable to the side effects of
which of these OTCs?
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Antihistamines
block histamine receptor sites, and older adults may have pronounced side effects,
such
as confusion, a dry mouth, lightheadedness, and problems with urination, the FDA says.
A
side effect of antihistamines is the blocking of a chemical neurotransmitter called
acetylcholine. Older adults make less acetylcholine and can't use it as well.
9. Many OTC medicines for children come in liquid form. What is
the best way to measure the dose?
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Kitchen
utensils aren't accurate for measuring medicine doses. Medicine or dosing spoons may
look like wide straws with a spoon at one end. They are designed for children who
can
drink from a cup but are likely to spill. Measure the dose at eye level. Keep a written
record of when you give the dose. This can prevent both missing a dose and accidentally
overdosing a child.
10. What should you look for when you select an OTC
medicine?
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Multi-symptom
medicines expose you to medicines you don't need. This increases the risk for side
effects. Ask the pharmacist for help in choosing the safest and most effective OTC
medicine for your symptoms.
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