OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS

1. OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS No Prescription Needed

2. OTC MEDICATIONS • DEFINITION: Any medication that is considered to be safe and effective without professional instructions regarding use.

3. CHARACTERISTICS • The label information is more complete than with prescription medications • There is a wider margin of safety. • These drugs are advertised directly to the public • Wider distribution

4. REGULATION • Durham-Humphrey Amendment (1952) • Drugs deemed safe could be sold without a prescription • Kefauver-Harris Amendment(1962) • Required prove of efficacy and safety • Food and Drug Administration(1970) • Identifying standards for active ingredients • Establishing mandatory labeling

5. Allergy treatments Analgesics and Antipyretics Antacids and Antiflatulents Antidiarrheals Antimicrobials Antiperspirants Antirheumatics Antitussives Bronchodilators and antiasthmatics Cold remedies and decongestants Contraceptive products Dandruff products Dental products Dermatologicals OTC CATEGORIES

6. Emetics and antiemetics Hemorrhoidal products Laxatives and cathartics Ophthalmic products Oral hygiene products Sedatives Stimulants Sunburn prevention and treatments Vitamins and minerals Weight-loss aids MORE

7. ADDITIVES • Regulated by FDA • Must be included in labeling • May be “hidden” • Alcohol • Antihistamines • Salicylates • Caffeine • Estrogens • Sodium • Anesthetics • Sympathomimetics (stimulants)

8. CAUTIONS • Patient may not self disclose • Professional diagnosis may be delayed • Symptoms can be masked • Complications from incompatibility with prescriptions • Overdose potential • Placebo effect

9. ROLE OF THE NURSE • Assessment • Education • Read labels • Follow directions • Discard if expired • Brand name v. generic • Store safely • use child proof caps