VER HE OUNTER RUGS OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

OTC MEDICINES Drugs/Medicines you can buy without a prescription OTC medicines may relieve aches, pains and itches. Some may prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines or cold symptoms.

OVER THE COUNTER (OTC)/PRESCRIPTION DRUGS 1. All medicines in US must meet standards set by FDA – Food and Drug Administration 2. Prescription Meds – given only with the written approval of a licensed physician 3. OTC Meds – medicines you can buy without a prescription

OTC MEDICINES Active ingredients Dosage strength Dosage form Warning & directions for use

ANALGESICS (PAIN RELIEVERS) Tylenol( Acetaminophen ) Tylenol ( Acetaminophen ) Most popular Good for mild to moderate levels of pain Reduces fever (antipyretic) Doesn’t upset stomach

ANALGESICS (PAIN RELIEVERS) Tylenol( Acetaminophen ) Tylenol ( Acetaminophen ) Will not help with inflammation or thinning of the blood (anticoagulant) May effect liver It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body

ANALGESICS Aspirin ( Acetylsalicylic Acid ) Aspirin ( Acetylsalicylic Acid ) Mild to moderate pain reliever Reduces fever (antipyretic) some bacteria and viruses are killed by higher temperatures Antiplatelet (blood thinning properties)

ANALGESICS Aspirin ( Acetylsalicylic Acid ) Aspirin ( Acetylsalicylic Acid ) Anti-inflammatory It works by stopping the production of certain chemicals (prostaglandins) that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots.

ASPIRIN ( ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID ) Can upset stomach (reduces mucus lining) Prolongs bleeding time Reyes Syndrome: Reyes Syndrome Can cause brain damage, coma, and death if taken during flu or chicken pox episodes for young people.

Reyes Syndrome Reyes Syndrome The CDC, FDA, AAP, and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that aspirin and products containing aspirin not be given to children under 19 years of age during episodes of fever causing illness.

Aspirin Warning “Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox, flu symptoms or flu should NOT use this product. If nausea, vomiting, or fever occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious illness.”

ANALGESICS Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) Mild to moderate pain reliever, fever reducer, & and anti-inflammatory Became OTC in 1984 BEST for inflammation Can upset stomach

ANALGESICS Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) Works at a lower dose and lasts longer than aspirin It works by stopping the body's production of chemicals (prostaglandins) that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

ANALGESICS Aleve (Naproxen) Aleve (Naproxen) Similar to aspirin Became OTC 1994 Last about 2x as long as others in the body Can cause kidney problems

ANTIHISTAMINES Antihistamines Antihistamines histamines Can prevent histamines from attaching to your cells and causing symptoms (ex. Itching, swelling, runny nose, watery eyes) Histamines Histamines substances that try to attach to the cells in your body and irritate them (allergic reactions)

ANTIHISTAMINES Common examples Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin) Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) Doxylamine (Vicks NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night- Time Cold Medicine)

DECONGESTANTS Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Narrow the blood vessels in the nose reducing swelling in the nasal passage. reduces the amount of mucous made by your nose. Although Pseudoephedrine is an OTC medicine it’s sale is limited.Pseudoephedrine

ANTI-TUSSIVES Substances that suppress coughing Raises coughing threshold Should not be used to suppress a productive cough productive cough vs. non-productive cough A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus (sputum). The mucus may have drained down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses or may have come up from the lungs A nonproductive cough is dry and does not produce sputum. A dry, hacking cough may develop toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant, such as dust or smoke

EXPECTORANTS Loosen mucus from the respiratory tract.

STIMULANTS Products containing caffeine Elevates heart rate Increase alertness Mild diuretic (increases urine output) Can cause tremors, nervousness, stomach irritation, and headaches

STIMULANTS Examples of products containing caffeine: No Doz Tablets 100 mg Vivarin tablets 200 mg

VITAMINS Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication. Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis Vitamin B 6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B 6 is needed for protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B 6 to function efficiently

VITAMINS a B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract

OVER THE COUNTER (OTC)/PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Medicine Misuse – unintentional use of medicine Ex. Taking too much or too little of a med Medicine abuse – intentionally taking medications for nonmedical reasons Drug Overdose – a strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug