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

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OTC CATEGORIES

• 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

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MORE

• 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

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ADDITIVES

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

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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