Transcript Push Down and Turn - Health Services

Push Down and Turn
Navigating the Over-the-Counter
Medicine Aisle
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

Medicines that



You buy off of the shelf at a drugstore
or other retail location
You do not need a prescription from a
healthcare provider to take
Have been approved by the FDA as
safe for over-the-counter sales for most
individuals
What does this medicine do?
dextromethorphan
cough suppressant
Brand Names: Pertussin DM Extra Strength,
Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant,
Vicks 44 Cough Relief
guaifenesin
Expectorant-
helps to cough up mucous
Brand Names: Mucinex DM, Vicks
What does this medicine do?
Ibuprofen
pain reliever
fever reducer
reduces swelling
Other NSAIDs: ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin
NSAID Brand Names: Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve
acetaminophen
pain reliever
fever reducer
Brand Names: Tylenol, Bayer Select Maximum Strength
Headache Pain Relief Formula, Aspirin-Free Excedrin
What does this medicine do?
Loratadine
antihistamine
Other antihistamines: diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine,
Clemastine
Brand Names: Claritin, Benadryl
Phenylephrine (PE)
nasal decongestant
Other nasal decongestants: pseudophedrine
Brand Names: Tylenol Sinus, Sudafed, Triaminic
Brand Name vs. Generic


To advertise as a generic for a
specific brand name product, the
generic must be chemically the
same!
It must act similarly with the same
effectiveness.
Use OTC Medicines Safely



Speak with your healthcare provider
or pharmacist
Read the label
Check the tamper-resistant
packaging
Use OTC Medicines Safely – Speak
with Your Healthcare Provider or
Pharmacist



Taking other medications, either
OTC or prescription?
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying
to become pregnant?
Have an existing health condition?
Use OTC Medicines Safely – Read the
Label (Drug Facts)






Active Ingredient(s)
Uses
Warnings
Directions
Other Information
Inactive Ingredients-fillers, dyescan cause allergic reactions
Active Ingredients


Cause change in symptoms
Pay attention to active ingredients
in combination drugs
Uses

Which symptoms the drug will help
Warnings






When you should and when you
should not use a drug
Side effects/Precautions
Contraindications
Interactions with other medications
When to speak to a healthcare
provider or pharmacist
Keep out of reach of children and
pets!
Directions

How to use the drug safely








Child or Adult?
Proper dose
Frequency
How to take
How long to take
Reasons to stop
Overdose
Side effects
Other Information





How to store
Tamper-resistant packaging
Expiration Date
Lot and Batch Number
Questions/Contact information
Inactive Ingredients

Ingredients that don’t treat
symptoms.




Color- an inactive ingredient
Flavor-an inactive ingredient
Lasting effects
State of medicine
Use OTC Medicines Safely – Check
the Tamper-Resistant Packaging



Damage to outer package or seal
Damage to interior packaging
Discoloration
Supplements

Regulated differently by FDA

Manufacturer responsible for safety.



Does not need to provide proof of safety
unless a “new dietary ingredient.”
No regulation of serving size or amount
of nutrient.
Voluntary adverse reporting system.
Summary




Read labels carefully
Utilize available resources
Use common sense
Ask questions of your healthcare
provider and pharmacist regarding
medications.
IUPUI Health Services





Coleman Hall
See students for illness, minor
injury, birth control, STI testing,
etc.
Call 274-8214 for an appointment.
Contact [email protected] with
health-related or service questions.
http://health.iupui.edu