Over the Counter (OTC) Medications

Part One: Over-the-Counter Medication Reading Over-the-Counter Medication Source: Just because you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with few restrictions, doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous, or even deadly, when abused. What is it? Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are products that are available at supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores. There is an incorrect but widespread belief that because you don’t need a prescription, these drugs must be less dangerous than those found behind the pharmacy counter. The fact is, it’s risky to abuse either. The most commonly abused OTC drugs include those that contain the ingredient DXM (dextromethorphan), which is used to treat cough, cold and flu symptoms. Also, OTC medications believed to help with weight loss — like laxatives, diuretics and diet pills — are sometimes abused. All of these medications can have serious and potentially fatal side effects over time. The Risks Both liquid cough syrups and the tablet or capsule forms of medicine that contain DXM can distort your visual perceptions and damage your sense of judgment. High doses can lead to loss of coordination, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes and hallucinations. With diet pills, it sometimes starts by trying just a few, but then can quickly turn into a full addiction. Ephedrine is one of the dangerous stimulants that can be found in diet pills. But even herbal or “natural” weight-loss products can often contain this and other ingredients that may be just as dangerous. Among the many possible side effects of diet pills are hair loss, insomnia, menstrual cycle disturbances, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, vomiting, blurred vision and anxiety. Long-Term Effects DXM can be so physically debilitating, it makes any activity potentially dangerous. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, it can lead to overdose and death. The stimulants found in diet pills affect the central nervous system, increase your metabolism and make your heart beat faster. This can be especially serious for anyone with a pre-existing heart problem or high blood pressure. But even in a healthy person, diet pills can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke. The Bottom Line Since they’re legal and easy to find, OTC drugs are also easy to abuse. Like any medicine, they can have their benefits when taken as directed and in moderation. But there’s always the danger of taking too much, mixing them with other drugs and even overdosing. They can damage your body for life, and even cause death. Part II: Reading Questions Directions:Answer the following questions using information from the reading above. 1.True or False: Over the counter medications are not dangerous since people can buy them without a doctor's permission. True False 2. DXM is an ingredient found often in the following medicines... Weight loss drugs Pain medicines Cough syrups 3. Which of the following statements best describes the meaning of the concept "side effects"? a pain people feel on the side of their body a result that a drug has on your body in addition to curing pain or illness sleeping too much on the side of one's body 4. It is _ to purchase over-the-counter medicines without a doctor's permission. unlawful illegal acceptable 5. Read the following sentence located in the reading above: " The stimulants found in diet pills affect the central nervous system, increase your metabolism and make your heart beat faster." After reading this passage, what word would be a synonym forstimulants? depressant hindrance energizer 6. Identify the drug that is likely causing this person to lose her hair. Click on the RED DOT to type in your answer. Part III: Video 1 - Over the Counter Medicines - What You Need to Know You need a prescription from a doctor to buy over the counter medicine. True False What foot disease does the video mention that an over the counter medicine will help cure? Toe Jam Ingrown Toenail Athlete's Foot In the United States, who decides if a medicine is safe enough to sell over the counter? Food Drug Adminstration (FDA) Drug Enforcement Adminstration (DEA) Narcotics Task Force (NTF) Some over the counter medicines interact with other medicines, supplements, foods or drinks. People with certain medical conditions and if a woman is pregnant, it is important that they talk with their health care provider before taking any medicines . You should never take OTC medicines longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. True False What should you do if your symptoms don't go away? Take the medicine for a longer amount of time See your health care provider Increase the dosage Part IV: Video 2 - Medicines In My Home: The Over-the-Counter Drug Facts Label How can you tell which OTC to choose for your problem? Experiment Ask others Look at the Drug Facts label What will you NOT find on the drug facts label? Medicine's name active ingredient Uses Dosage Side affects Warnings Price Similar Medicines