Over the counter drugs are part of everyday life for millions of people. They are both convenient, effective and easily available in any nearby pharmacy. But the question arise are they safe?
Whether you are reaching for a bottle of ibuprofen, an antacid after a heavy meal or a decongestant for stubborn cold, over the counter drugs are there to ease your symptoms.
Over the counter drugs can be both a blessing and a hidden risk. In this blog we will go through everything related to over the counter drugs and when to seek professional help.
What Are Over the Counter Drugs?
Over the counter drugs are medications that you can get from a pharmacy without proper prescription from a doctor. They are used for treating minor ailments from headache to allergies.
These drugs are regulated by different health organizations and should meet specific safety standards. Generally speaking over the counter drugs are not harmful when used as directed but if misused they can cause harm or they can interact with other medications.
Categories of OTC Drugs:
| Drug Category | Common Uses | Examples |
| Pain Relievers | Headaches, Muscle pain, Fever | Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen |
| Antihistamines | Allergies, Hay fever | Loratadine, Diphenhydramine |
| Decongestants | Nasal Decongestion | Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine |
| Antacids | Heartburn, Indigestion | Calcium carbonate, Famotidine |
| Antidiarrheal | Diarrhea relief | Loperamide |
| Laxatives | Constipation | Polyethylene glycol, Bisacodyl |
| Cough Suppressants | Dry cough | Dextromethorphan |
| Smoking Cessation Aids | Nicotine addiction | Nicotine Patches |
How Safe Are Over the Counter Drugs:
Many people believe in a very common myth about over the counter drugs that they are given without prescription so they must be safe. This is not always the case. Even the most commonly used over the counter drugs can cause serious side effects and drug interactions if they are taken in excessive doses or with other medications.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a very common drugs easily available everywhere. It is used for body aches, headache and fever. But it is also known to cause hepatotoxicity and is a leading cause of acute liver failure in some countries.
According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) 8 extra strength tablets containing 4000 mg of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. These effects are even more drastic if consumed with alcohol or for a long period of time.
Common Mistakes with OTC drugs:
Sometimes people consume same active ingredient in different medications leading to overdose. Always check drug labels to avoid doubling of the dose.
Many drugs like acetaminophen, antihistamines and drugs for sleep can dangerously interact with alcohol.
People with different conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart diseases unknowingly take over the counter medications that can worsen their conditions.
Many people use wrong over the counter drugs like using cough suppressant for productive cough or antihistamines for a viral infection can sometimes do more harm than good.
Reading Over The Counter Drug Label Like a Doctor:
Every over the counter drug comes with a label that gives key information about its active ingredients, therapeutic window and interactions. In order to read the label like a doctor you need to know about:
1. Active Ingredient: This gives you an idea about what compound is being used and what does this drug do. If you are using more than one product always watch for duplicate ingredients.
2. Purpose: It explains the symptoms that can be relived after using this medicine.
3. Uses: It explains the conditions which can be treated with the drug.
4. Warnings: It gives us information about the possible side effects and drug interactions. When should we avoid taking this drug and when to seek professional help?
5. Directions: It is important to take medicines within certain range. The range in which a drug is safe is called therapeutic index. The higher the therapeutic index the safer the drug. This portion also explains how often you can take the medicine.
6. Inactive Ingredients: These are added to stabilize the active ingredient or to add flavor and color to the medicine. This label is specifically important for individuals with allergies.
Over the Counter Drugs for Special Population:
Children:
Children are sensitive to a wide range of medications including over the counter drugs. Children under 6 years of age should not take over the counter drugs for cough and cold as per American Academy of Pediatrics. In order to avoid over dosing correct tools should be used for measurement, not just a kitchen spoon. Aspirin should be avoided in individuals below 19 years of age due to risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Older Adults:
Seniors are usually taking many different medications for different conditions. They are at risk of drug interactions. It is important to read the drugs label before taking one.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women:
Pregnant women should take extra care because many over the counter drugs can easily cross placenta and damage the fetus. These drugs can also excrete in breast milk. For example avoid ibuprofen (NSAIDS) in third trimester and always consult your doctor before starting any medication during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions to Watch Out For:
Over the counter drugs can interact with prescription medications, other OTC drugs, supplements, herbal remedies, food and alcohol. Some common examples are;
NSAIDs with Blood pressure medications reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
Antacids reduce the absorption of antibiotics like tetracycline.
Decongestant can cause hypertensive crisis if taken with MAO inhibitors.
If in doubt, FDA Drug Interaction Checker can be a helpful tool or consult your physician.
Practical Tips for Safe Use of Over the Counter Drugs:
Keep a current medication list that include prescription drugs, OTCs and supplements.
Never take more than directed, always stick to the recommended dose and schedule.
Avoid multiple drugs that contain the same active ingredient.
Use proper measuring tools especially for liquid medications.
OTC drugs should be kept out of children’s reach and away from heat and moisture.
Before taking any medicine, always check the expiry date.
When to See a Doctor:
Over the counter drugs are great for reliving short term symptoms, but if the symptoms persist for longer durations then you need to seek a professional doctor. You need to go to a doctor if a fever last for more than 3 days, if the pain doesn’t improve or it worsen, if cold symptoms last for more than 10 days, if there is blood in your stool or if you experience dizziness, confusion or allergic reactions.
Conclusion:
Over the counter drugs are both convenient and effective, but if they are misused they can cause many problems. As a doctor, I personally encourage you to use over the counter medicine for day to day ailments with care and caution. Always read labels, watch out for interactions and feel free to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider any queries that you might have regarding a drug. If you liked this blog and want to know more about human body go to my website Medrizz.com.
References:
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): www.nih.gov
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): www.aap.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: www.niddk.nih.gov
FAQs:
What are over the counter (OTC) drugs?
OTC drugs are medications you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. They are commonly used to treat minor ailments such as headaches, fevers, allergies, colds, and digestive issues.
Are OTC drugs safe to use?
Yes, when used as directed. However, misuse or overuse can lead to serious health problems including liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, or dangerous interactions with other medications or alcohol.
Can I take multiple OTC drugs at once?
Only if they don’t contain the same active ingredients. For example, taking two medications that both contain acetaminophen can lead to an overdose. Always read the labels carefully.
What are the risks of taking too much acetaminophen?
High doses can cause liver damage or even acute liver failure. Taking more than 4,000 mg per day or combining it with alcohol increases the risk significantly.
Are OTC medications safe for children?
Use caution. Children under 6 should not take OTC cough and cold medicines. Always use correct measuring tools and avoid aspirin in individuals under 19 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Can I use OTC drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Only with medical guidance. Some OTC drugs, like NSAIDs, can harm the fetus or pass into breast milk. Always consult a healthcare provider first.