Some pharmaceuticals are approved for direct sale means they can be purchased by consumers directly from any pharmacy store without a doctor's prescription; this category of drugs is known as Over-the-counter Medication. These are typically used to treat minor health issues like nausea, headaches, colds, allergies, or digestive problems. These are sometimes brought and kept at home for further use when required.
Commonly used OTC Medications
- Digestive Aids: for management of constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. Ex: Calcium carbonate solution as Antacid, Loperamide as antidiarrheal, Milk of Magnesia as Laxative
- Cold and Allergy Medications: for treatment or reducing symptoms of cold, cough, allergies, and sinus congestion. Ex: Antihistamines, decongestants, or a combination of both such as dextromethorphan
- Pain Relievers: for reducing symptoms of pain of any category like tooth pain, muscle pain, headache, etc. Ex: Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Diclofenac
- Skin Treatments: for treatment of minor skin rashes, irritations, cuts, and infections. Ex: Antifungals, Antiseptics, Hydrocortisone cream.
- First Aid: for immediate treatment after an injury. Ex: dettol disinfectant
Image Source: Microsoft Designer
Risks of OTC Medications
The invaluable contribution of OTC medications in the quick and efficient management of minor health issues can not be neglected. However, in terms of self-care, they should only be used after understanding their proper use as well as limitations because of the risks associated with their improper use or their overdose.
- Misuse and Overuse: Exceeding more than the recommended dosages can lead to serious health problems, such as liver damage from acetaminophen, or gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, and bleeding from ibuprofen. Long-term use of certain drugs, like laxatives, can cause dependency and tolerance development that ultimately results in the requirement of an extra amount of drug for the same therapeutic action.
- Drug interactions: These medications can interact negatively with prescription drugs, supplements, or other OTC products, and ultimately this interaction leads to adverse effects. For example, combining decongestants with certain antidepressants can increase blood pressure which increases the health risks of an individual.
- Masking Underlying Conditions: These medications only work to treat the symptoms and do not affect the underlying root cause of the health condition. Prolonged use of these may delay the diagnosis of serious health conditions. As a result, the individual overlooks critical health problems which require medical attention.
- Addiction: Improper use of sleep aids or nasal decongestant sprays can be habit-forming because of the presence of opioids as their ingredients. Improper use creates a cycle of misuse where individuals find themselves relying on a particular medication for normal functions.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals are allergic to active or inactive ingredients that are used in OTC medications. It is crucial to read the ingredients of medicine on the label for allergic individuals.
Safe Use of OTC Medications
Some guidelines need to be followed to minimize the risks and maximize the advantages of OTC Medications.
- Read Labels Carefully: Pay close attention to dosage instructions to get information about how much of the medication to take and how often, and carefully read the warnings or contraindications listed that may be related to specific age groups, medical conditions, and potential side effects.
- Stick to Recommended Doses: Adhere to the recommended dose as taking more than the suggested dose can lead to adverse effects, if symptoms persist after consumption of the recommended dose consult to healthy professional do not increase the dose amount or frequency by yourself.
- Be Aware of Active Ingredients: Check the ingredients if the individual is allergic to some of the active or non-active ingredients. In the case of multiple OTC medicines check ingredients that some of them are not the same so that unintentional overdosing can be avoided.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: In case the individual has an existing medical condition then the individual must seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor to take the OTC medication along with prescription drugs.
- Limit Use to Short-Term Relief: OTC medications are formulated only for temporary symptom management. If symptoms persist or worsen then it is essential to seek medical evaluation to identify any underlying health concerns that may require further treatment.
- Store Safely: Proper storage of drugs is compulsory to ensure effectiveness and safety. Keep medications out of reach of children and store them in a cool, dry place, avoid storing drugs in a heat-exposed location.
Crafted by: Subham Yadav, B Pharm 23