What You Need to Know About Over-the-Counter Drugs

You can just walk into any grocery store and buy them. No trip to the doctor. No prescription form. It's a safe way to feel better without the hassle, right? Maybe not.

Under most circumstances, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safe - if taken correctly. They are still drugs, though. They contain chemicals that affect your body, and you must be careful when using them. However, millions of Americans don't follow the instructions on the package.

An OTC medication is something the Food and Drug Administration considers safe, which does not need a doctor's supervision. So, rather than running to the doctor if you have a cold, often you can treat your symptoms yourself with pain relievers such as acetaminophen, expectorants and decongestants. That does not mean these kinds of drugs are harmless. Many OTC medications have the same ingredients found in prescription drugs.

Today, Americans can choose from more than 100,000 OTC medications. Be smart and be safe. Here are some tips on taking these drugs safely:

• Be a label reader. All OTC medications are required by law to have a Drug Facts label, which spells out the specifics about the medicine. It tells you what the drug is used for (e.g., treating your runny nose), warnings about what other medications and foods you should not take in combination with the drug, directions on how to use and store the drug and a toll-free number to call if you have any questions.
• Treat only the symptoms that you have. If you have a runny nose, you don't need a medicine that treats a cough.
• Know the side effects. Eating some foods while you are taking the OTC medication can cause problems like an upset stomach. Drinking alcohol is never a good idea when you are taking any kind of medicine. Other OTC medications can increase your risk of sunburn.
• Take only the recommended dose at the recommended times. You won't feel any better if you take more.
• If you have questions, ask the pharmacist, who has special training in OTC medications. You can also call your doctor or nurse for advice. Never guess which medication you should use.
• Take your time when you are choosing an OTC medication. It's well worth the extra minutes to make sure you are getting the one that will work for you.
• If your OTC medication doesn't seem to be helping, call your doctor. You may have a serious illness that can worsen if you don't get medical help.
• Try to avoid using several OTC medications at once. They may interact with each other, or the active ingredients in one may be the same as in another. For example, many products have acetaminophen as an active ingredient. An overdose of this medication has been known to cause liver injury.
• Be aware of drug interactions. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to be sure the OTC medication won't interact with prescription medications you are taking.
• Keep a record of your OTC medications. This can help you keep track of your dosages.
• Be careful if you have an underlying medical condition or take prescription drugs. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Related Articles Your Nurse: More than a Caregiver Rx Questions? Ask Your Pharmacist How Well Do Your Medicines Mix?

External Sources The American Academy of Family Physicians The National Council on Patient Information and Education

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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