Over The Counter Medications ClarifiedWhen an individual resides in the U.S.A., it is the Food and Drug Administration that decides which medications are safe enough to be sold as an OTC drug. Just because a drug is an OTC, does not mean that it is without risks.
When an individual resides in the U.S.A., it is the Food and Drug Administration that decides which medications are safe enough to be sold as an OTC drug. Just because a drug is an OTC, does not mean that it is without risks. OTC medications can still present issues such as side effects, drug interactions with other medications you may be taking, and some may not be intended for use during pregnancy, while nursing or when taking other medications or street drugs. Just because a drug is not a prescription drug does not mean that it can have serious consequences when it is not taken as directed, or if it is taken with other medications or if it not taken in the manner that it was intended. Labels are affixed to OTC medications as well as to those with prescriptions so that the consumer may be informed of possible drug hazards and should be read and heeded in order for the user to be protected while at the same time utilizing the convenience of OTC drugs. When taking OTC you should experience the expected results when taking the OTC with label instructions and warnings. If the individual taking the OTC drug does not realize the drug benefits in the prescribed manner and time as indicated on the label than the individual should consult with a doctor. Over-the-counter medications are commonly abused because all age groups including kids from age 12 through 19 easily access them. OTC abuse is not always an intentional act. Individuals may take incorrect dosages by mistake or may mix OTC medications in an unsafe manner. Dextromethophan (DXM) has been in the news lately as one OTC that is being deliberately abused.
There are four main categories of OTC medications: Pain Relievers, Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cough Medicines. OTC's are made to be convenient purchases for those looking to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, flu or allergies. It is important that individuals realize that some OTC medications contain the same ingredients that are found in certain prescription medications thus if you are being prescribed medications by your doctor and you stop by your neighborhood drugstore and pick up something to help with symptoms you are having, you may without knowing it be taking twice the dose of a certain drug between what you were prescribed and what you just picked up at the store. This is why it is important to inform your doctor of anything that you are self-medicating with to avoid duplicates. Overdosing on certain medications can cause serious injury to your body, and may even on rare occasions cause death.
Each OTC category works on a different set of symptoms. Pain relievers are either nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs, or they are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen or also acetaminophen. They all relieve pain, but work in different ways. Antihistamines block receptors that trigger the itching, nasal irritation, and sneezing associated with allergies and decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of your nose, which shrinks swollen nasal passages. Cough medicines have two groups’ antitussives, which suppress coughs by blocking the cough reflex and expectorants, which help to bring up the mucus we have as a result of colds or flu. The thinning of the mucus makes coughing more productive and effectively clearing away mucus from our airways making it easier to breathe. Companion Remedies for General Health Hi-Rite - Maintain blood pressure within the healthy range and promote cardiovascular health News About Drugs and Medicine
11/18/2008 |
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