Transcript OTC AND Rx drugs

OTC AND Rx drugs
• List as many OTC and
prescription drugs as you can…
• What do they do?
Over the Counter (OTC) and
Prescription Drugs
• OTC and prescription drugs are
two kinds of Medicines
– Most medicines do at least one of
four things:
• They battle bacteria and other
organisms that cause disease
• They protect the body from disease
• They influence the circulatory system
• They affect the nervous system
OTC drugs
• OTC drugs are medicines you can
buy without a doctor’s prescription.
• Three of the most common OTC
drugs are:
– Analgesics: relieve pain
– Sedatives: slow down body functioning
and make you sleepy
– Stimulants: they make you feel more
alert.
Prescription Drugs
• These drugs are usually more
powerful than OTC drugs
– A prescription always has a required
dose—the correct amount of the drug to
be taken.
– Prescription drugs can be abused. And
can become habit forming.
– It is Exremely important that you follow
the instructions on the label of any Rx
medicine.
OTC drugs
• Most people think that OTC drugs are
completely safe. No drug is free of
risk.
– Aspirin: can lead to stomach irritation
– Antihistamines: can cause drowsiness
– Acetaminophen: may cause liver damage
in high doses
• HANDOUT: Some common drug types and their
effects
ACTIVITY
• Reading labels:
• Get into groups of 4-5
• Read the directions on the
worksheet.