Transcript Aim: How do you read an OTC label?

Aim: How do you
read an OTC label?
Do Now: Quickly write down
important facts from your homework
and place hw on my desk.
Psychoactive drugs
 These drugs operate on the "lock-andkey" principle. The drug is the “key” and
performs the following:
 fits into the "lock," causing the nerve cell
(neuron) to discharge its chemicals
 "jams" the lock, preventing the nerve cell
from discharging.
Purpose
 Psychoactive drugs alters brain function
which results in temporary changes in
mood, perception, or behavior.
 Examples:
 Anesthesia, anti-depressants, antipsychotics
OTC Labels
 Active Ingredient: The active ingredient is the
therapeutic substance that makes the product work, as
well as the purpose of the product.
 Uses: Under this heading, you’ll find the symptoms the
product relieves or prevents. When choosing a
medication, target this list.
 Warnings: This section is extremely important
because it tells you when not to use an OTC product.
This section also lists any side effects you may
experience when using the product, such as
drowsiness or excitability.
OTC Labels
 Inactive Ingredients: This section lists substances in
the product that don’t enhance its effectiveness but can
make it easier to take, such as flavorings.
 Directions: This area designates how to take the
medicine, how much to take, how often and how long.
It’s typically age-specific, with different guidelines for
children versus adults.
 Other Information: Under this section, you’ll find
specifics about how to store the product properly and
required information about certain ingredients, such as
the amount of calcium, potassium or sodium the
product contains.
Generic vs. Name Brand
 What is the difference?
 Generic drugs are the same exact drug as
the name brand drug.
 The FDA has to approve the generic drug to
make sure it works the same.
 The generic has to contain all the same
active ingredients
 Generic drug can become available once
the name brand’s patent begins to expire
Why do Generics cost
less?
 No research necessary
 Not as much testing necessary
 Not as much money needed for
advertising
 Less ‘appealing’ packages
Regulations
 Generics can contain different inactive
ingredients.
 Generic cannot look the same as the
Name Brand pill.
 Generic must have the same amount of
the active ingredients as the Name Brand