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Using over-the-counter medicines safely

Definition

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those you can buy without a prescription. They treat a variety of minor health conditions. Most OTC medicines are not as strong as what you can get with a prescription. But that does not mean they are without risk. In fact, not using the OTC medicines safely can lead to serious health problems.

Here is what you need to know about OTC medicines.

About OTC Medicines

You can buy OTC medicines without a prescription in:

• Drug stores

• Grocery stores

• Discount and department stores

• Convenience stores

• Some gas stations

When used properly, OTC medicines can help protect your health by:

• Relieving symptoms such as pain, coughing, or diarrhea

• Preventing or treating problems like heartburn or motion sickness

• Treating conditions such as athlete's foot, allergies, or headaches

• Providing first aid

When Should you use OTC Medicines

It is fine to use OTC medicines for most minor health problems or illnesses. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider or your pharmacist. Your provider can tell you:

• Whether an OTC medicine is right for your condition

• How the medicine might interact with other medicines you take

• What side effects or problems to watch for

Your pharmacist can answer questions such as:

• What the medicine will do

• How it should be stored

• Whether another medicine might work as well or better

What the Label can Tell you

You can also get information about OTC medicines on the medicine label.

Most OTC medicines have the same kind of label, and soon all of them will. That means whether you buy a box of cough drops or a bottle of aspirin you will always know where to find information you need.

Here is what the label will show you:

• Active Ingredient. This tells you the name of the medicine you are taking and how much is in each dose.

• Uses. The conditions and symptoms the medicine can treat are listed here. Unless your provider tells you otherwise, do not use the medicine for any condition not listed.

• Warnings. Pay close attention to this section. It tells you if you should talk with your provider before taking the medicine. For instance, you should not take certain antihistamines if you have a breathing problem like emphysema. The warnings also tell you about side effects and interactions. You should not take some medicines when using alcohol or taking other medicines. The label will also tell you what to do in case of an overdose.

• Directions. The label tells you how much medicine to take at one time, how often to take it, and how much is safe to take. This information is broken down by age group. Read the directions fully, because the dosage may be different for people of different ages.

• Other Information. This includes such things as how to store the medicine.

• Inactive Ingredients. Inactive means the ingredients should not have an effect on your body. Read them anyway so you know what you are taking.

The label will also tell you the medicine's expiration date. You should dispose of it and not take it once that date has passed.

Other Ways to use OTC Medicines Safely

You should:

• Examine the package before you buy it. Make sure it has not been tampered with.

• Never use medicine you have bought that does not look the way you think it should or that is in a package that appears suspicious. Return it to the place from which you bought it.

• Never take medicine in the dark or without glasses if you are unable to see clearly. Always be sure you are taking the right medicine from the right container.

• Always tell your provider what medicines you take. This includes prescription and OTC medicines as well as herbals and supplements. Some prescription medicines will interact with OTC medicines. And some contain the same ingredients as OTC medicines, which means you could end up taking more than you should.

Also be sure to take steps to keep kids safe. You can prevent accidents by keeping medicine locked up, out of reach, and out of sight of children.

References

US Food & Drug Administration website. The over-the-counter drug facts label. www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/over-counter-drug-facts-label. Updated October 25, 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024.

US Department of Health and Human Services website. Healthy living: use medicines safely: the basics. health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely#the-basics-tab. Updated July 20, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024.

US Department of Health and Human Services website. Healthy living: use medicines safely: take action. health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely#take-action-tab. Updated July 20, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024.

Review Date: 7/23/2024

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.