1. Over the Counter medications

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS ANALGESIC: pain relieving medication
ANTIPYRETIC: fever reducing medication
ANTI INFLAMMATORY: reduces swelling and inflammation
ANTIHISTAMINE: prevents histamine release and dries up secretions like runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes; helps in allergic reactions

3. TERMS (cont)
DECONGESTANT: reduces swelling in nasal passages to alleviate stuffiness & congestion
COUGH SUPPRESSANT: cough medicine that is supposed to quiet or suppress coughs
MUCOLYTIC: cough medicine that breaks up and loosens mucus or phlegm
NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; these are medications that are not steroids (prednisone-like) but they reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries or dx
NON-NARCOTIC: pain relievers that are not in the opium family; don’t need prescription

4. OTC medication ACETAMINOPHEN IBUPROFEN
Brand name : TYLENOL
Antipyretic
Analgesic
Take only as directed on label paying close attention to not exceeding dose for your age or weight
Read other labels carefully as other OTC meds may contain acetaminophen
Should not use by anyone with liver disease (or in combination with alcohol)
Brand names: Motrin, Advil, Nuprin
Antipyretic
Analgesic
NSAID (so it’s anti- inflammatory)
Take as directed on bottle or by your doctor
Take with FOOD; can increase risk for bleeding b/c of antiplatelet effect

5. ASPIRIN BRAND NAMES: Ecotrin, Bayer, Anacin, Bufferin, etc)
Aspirin and all aspirin products should be avoided by children and adolescents ESPECIALLY WITH VIRAL ILLNESSES unless instructed by your doctor for certain conditions
IT HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH “REYES SYNDROME”
Read all labels of OTC medication to see if contain aspirin products (salicylate, acetylsalicylate,
Common medications that contain aspirin: Alka-seltzer, Pamprin, Excedrin, Pepto-Bismol, Percodan

6. REYE SYNDROME
Reye Syndrome can follow a viral illness about 1-2 weeks later
Can affect all organs but mostly liver & brain
Cause unknown
Linked to aspirin use for viral illnesses in kids & teens
Avoid aspirin under 19 unless under Dr advice
Symptoms: persistent or continuous vomiting, signs of brain dysfunction: drowsy, listless
Progresses to personality changes, irritability, aggressive behavior….
May progress to loss of consciousness and seizures
Need emergency medical treatment!