Transcript OTC, RX & Herbal Drugs

Over-the-Counter (OTC), Prescription,
and Herbal Drugs
Zack Miller
Cody Handshaw
Topic of Discussion – OTC, Prescription,
and Herbal drugs
 Brief History
 Define the category
 List of Drugs contained in it
 Patterns of Use
 Pharmacology, Mechanisms of Action, Absorption and




Elimination
Published beneficial medical uses
Potential for Dependence
Health Concerns/Overdose Potential
Summary Questions
Brief History
 In 1906, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) was





established
Before this, most drugs were available without prescription
Alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and opium were included in some
OTC products without notification to the users
In 1938, Congress passed The Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic (FDC) Act which allowed the manufacturer to
determine whether a drug was to be labeled prescription or
nonprescription.
From this point on, drugs were classified as either prescription
or OTC drugs
The FD&C act was passed in 1962 stating that OTC drugs were
required to be both safe and effective.
Major OTC analgesic drugs
 Four types of OTC analgesic drugs available to the
public are Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin),
acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
 Because each of these types has its benefits and
hazards, recommended dosage levels should be
observed, and anyone with specific health problems
should be aware that analgesic drugs may be harmful.
Other major classes of OTC drugs
 Two other classes of OTC drugs are notable for their
popularity and their potential for misuse.
 The first is the variety of sleep aids, with the active
ingredient of either diphenhydramine or doxylamine
succinate.
 The second is the variety of cough-and-cold remedies
that generally contain some combination of
antihistamine and decongestant.
 The recreational use of cough-and-cold remedies containing
dextromethorphan (DM, DMX) is a continuing drug abuse
problem.
Top 20 types of Prescription Drugs
 Lipitor
 Remicade
 Nexium
 Crestor
 Plavix
 Avastin
 Advair Diskus
 Neulasta
 Seroquel
 OxyCotin
 Alilify
 Cymbalta
 Singulair
 Effexor XR
 Actos
 Lexapro
 Enbrel
 Lovenox
 Epogen
 Zyprexa
Symptoms of Overdosing on Rx OTC
Cold and Cough Meds.
 Blurred vision
 Loss of physical






coordination
Intense abdominal pain
Vomiting
Uncontrolled, violent
muscle spasms
Irregular heartbeat
Delirium
Death
Medical Uses
 OTC drugs are used to relieve pain, fever, and
inflammation, relieve cold symptoms, allergy
symptoms, diminish fatigue and drowsiness, promote
sleep, relieve indigestion from rebound activity,
constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, treat skin
infections, assist breathing, promote oral hygiene,
acne, infections, hair growth, and provide diet
supplements
Health Concerns/Overdose Potential
 These medicines are safe and effected when you follow the
directions on the label and as directed by your healthcare
professional.
 However, sometimes it is easy to forget that OTC drugs are
still drugs, and when used improperly (taking higher-thanrecommended doses, using more frequently than directed, or
combining with certain other legal or illegal substances),
these drugs can produce a range of potentially damaging
effects.
 The long term harmful effects of OTC abuse can include
brain damage, seizures, coma and even death if taken
improperly.
Sources
 http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescri
ption-over-counter-medications
 http://pharmacy.about.com/od/TheDrugIndustry/a/Over
-The-Counter-Medicines-Otc-Medicines.htm