Chapter 15: Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Drugs

Over-the-Counter (OTC)and Prescription Drugs

DRUGIt is a chemical substance that alters the waycells and tissues work. For example: When you swallow aspirin, it can reduce the pain of a pulled muscle by changing the way in which some nerves send pain impulses to the brain. Aspirin prevents these impulses from reaching your brain, thus it acts as pain reliever.

Prescription & OTC DrugsPrescription drugs that usually strong, safe and available only by recommendation of an authorized health professional, such as a physician.Nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) drugs are available on request, do not require approval by a health professional and can be purchased y anyone. Which potentially more dangerous when abused.

Prescription & OTC Drugs Prescription and OTC drugs have been viewed differently by the public since the classifications were established by the Durham-Humphrey Amendment of 1951. In general, the public views OTC drugs as minimally effective and safe and prescription drugs as more potent and frequently dangerous However, these distinctions are not always accurate

Abuse of OTC products Physical dependence Psychological dependenceNonprescription products that can be severely habit-forming: decongestants, laxatives, antihistamines, sleep aids, antacids and ephedrine. The active ingredients in OTC drugs have been classified and placed in category I (considered safe and effective) However, as recently as 1992, the FDA has banned over 400 ingredients from 7 categories of OTC products.

Switching policy of the FDA The FDA is attempting to make more drugs available to the general public by switchingsome frequently used and safe prescription\medications to OTC status. This policy is in response to public demandto have access to effective drugs for selfmedication and has resulted in over 63 switchedingredients, such as ulcer and hair-growingmedications

Are Medications Safe?Life saving remedies when used correctly

Very dangerous if used incorrectly

OTC Labels Required label information includes: Approved uses of the product Detailed instructions on safe and effective use Cautions or warnings to those at greatest risk when taking the medication

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS is the chemical compound in the medicine that works to relieve the symptoms. It shows the purpose of each ingredient.USES are sometimes called indications.WARNING are safety information which indicates the side effects. For example, a certain medicine may not be recommended for pregnant women.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL DIRECTIONS will tell you how often you should take the medicine and directions may be different for children and for adults.QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS will show you the contact information of the manufacturer in case you have any questions or comments.MANUFACTURING DATE AND EXPIRATON DATE. Dateon which a product becomes the item it is supposed to be . Anexpiration dateis the point at which amanufacturercan no longer guarantee the strength or safety of a medication.

Label information controlled by the FDAProduct name

Identity

Activeingredients

Quantity

ManufacturerWhen to use

How to use

What to watch for

Possible druginteractions

When drugshould nolonger beused

Rules for proper OTC drug use Always know what you are taking. Know the effects. Read and heed the warnings and cautions. Dont use anything for more than 1 to 2 wks. Be particularly cautious if also taking prescription drugs. If you have questions, ask a pharmacist. If you dont need it, dont use it!

Types of OTC drugs Internal analgesicsAnalgesics Salicylates Therapeutic considerations Analgesic actions Anti-inflammatory effects Antipyretic effects Side effects

Types of OTC drugs Cold, allergy and cough remedies Decongestants Antitussives Expectorants Vitamin C Sleep aids Melatonin Stimulants Look-alike and act-alike drugs

Types of OTC drugs Gastrointestinal medication Antacids and anti-heartburn medication Diet aids Skin products Acne medications Sun products Skin first-aid products OTC herbal products

Common over-the-counter drugs 1. Cough remediesDextromethorphan (DXM) is a cold suppressant present in many OTC cold remedies. DXM is usually mixed with other drugs like antihistamines and acetaminophen. When children take these combined drugs without the prescription of a doctor. It may develop more serious health problems.

Acetaminophen is also known as paracetamol. It is very popular drug for the relief of hangovers or headaches.Aspirin- It is a type of drug classified as nom steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, used as a pain reliever. Taking too much aspirin it may damage your brain and respiratory tract. Diet pills most women are body figure conscious. To achieve their ideal figure, diet pills may be abused for fast results.

Prescription drugs According to the Durham-Humphrey Amendment of 1951, drugs are controlled with prescription if they are: Habit-forming Not safe for self-medication Intended to treat ailments that require the supervisions of a health professional New and without an established safe track recordZantac

Doctor-patient communication When a physician prescribes a drug, a patient should insist on answers to the following questions: What is the desired outcome? What are the possible side effects of the drug? How should the drug be taken to minimize problems and maximize benefits?

Generic and proprietary drugs Generic is the official, nonpatented, nonproprietary name of a drug. The term generic is used by the public to refer to the common name of a drug that is not subject to trademark rights. Proprietary a brand or trademark name that is registered with the U.S. Patent Office. Proprietary denoted medications marketed under specific brand names, i.e., Valium.

Many people think medications, doctor prescribed, healthcare recommended, seen on tv and automatically think SAFE. But this is definitely not true. On a daily basis we, as pharmacists, call doctors to change medications theyve prescribed due to drug interactions, drug allergies, etc. So, people need to know that not all medications are safe, EVEN when prescribed by their doctor. There are many contraindications to medications and each medication taken needs to be carefully reviewed by doctors and pharmacist. This also includes over-the-counter medications. For instance, ibuprofen, if some is taking an antidepressant or has a stomach ulcer, they should not take ibuprofen. There are many warnings on the boxes of OTC meds that people ignore. Theyre there for a reason. The more education people have about medications and the more questions asked the better of youre going to be. Dont doctor shop or pharmacy shop b/c youre increasing your risk of danger.

As the title slide appears ask the group if they think that medications are safe.if they say yes ask why and if they say no ask why..after this display the next portion of the slide and give specific examples of how medications can save lives and how they can also be very dangerous*