OTC Drugs.pdf

OTC Drugs What are OTC medications? How do I know what kind of OTC medication I should take? Over-the-counter drugs are often...

OTC Drugs What are OTC medications? How do I know what kind of OTC medication I should take? Over-the-counter drugs are often used to help alleviate symptoms associated with colds, flu, and other Nasal drops/sprays should not be used for more than illnesses.This brochure contains a list of commonly 2-3 consecutive days as they may actually increase used medications and their functions. Before taking congestion (“rebound effect”). any over-the-counter products the following tips are Must be 18 years or older to buy most products advised: read the package insert, take product as containing pseudoephedrine. These products are located directed, and contact a pharmacist or health care behind the counter in the pharmacy. provider with any questions. Pain Relievers Cough Expectorants Reduce general achiness, headache, and fever. Help loosen phlegm and mucus (e.g., products containing guaifenesin such as Mucinex). Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) is a painkiller and fever May help make coughs more productive. reducer. Does not irritate the stomach. Safe for people Used for “wet” coughs. allergic to aspirin. Do not exceed 3000mg a day. Aspirin is a painkiller, fever reducer, and anti- inflammatory with few side effects. May cause stomach irritation so take with food. Not recommended for those Cough Suppressants under age 19 due to association with Reye’s syndrome.* Reduce sensitivity to the cough reflex resulting in less Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) is a painkiller, fever coughing (e.g., products containing dextromethorphan). reducer, and anti-inflammatory. May irritate stomach so Good for coughs that prevent sleeping. take with food. Used for dry, tickly coughs. Naproxen Sodium (e.g., Aleve) is a painkiller, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory. Pain relief lasts 8-12 hours, about twice as long as other painkillers. May irritate stomach so take with food. Lozenges and Throat Sprays Provide temporary relief of sore throat pain (e.g., Chloraseptic, Cepastat, Halls). Antihistamines Lozenges should be dissolved slowly in the mouth, not Dry the mucus membranes and help ease a runny nose chewed. (e.g., Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin). Continuous use may cause nausea. May cause dryness in the nose and mouth. May cause drowsiness. (primarily Benadryl) Should not be used while driving or operating machinery. Lozenges and Throat Sprays Avoid all-in-one products; it is best to use a medicine targeting a specific symptom. Nasal Spray Read all warning labels and be sure to use products as Reduce the size of swollen nasal membranes, making directed. breathing easier (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, Be aware of the drug’s side effects before taking it. oxymetazoline) Use caution when combining medications; contact May act as a stimulant in some people. a health care provider or pharmacist for advice or Most effective when taken orally, but also available as instructions if in doubt. nose drops or nose sprays. Generic drugs are just as effective as brand name Should be used with caution by people with high blood drugs and are available at a fraction of the cost. pressure Contact a health care provider if symptoms do not Should not be used while driving or operating machinery. subside. Reye’s Syndrome – This syndrome, most common in References: children 4-12 years of age, is associated with the use of www.fda.gov (US Food and Drug Administration) aspirin to treat chicken pox and/or the flu. Brain damage www.nlm.nih.gov (Medline Plus) and liver damage of an unknown cause are a result of this www.familydoctor.org syndrome. Symptoms OTC Medicine Fever, mild sore throat Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (Ibuprofen, {Advil, Motrin}) Runny nose, Antihistamine sneezing,itchy eyes (diphenhydramine (allergies) {Benadryl}) Allegra (fexofenadine) Loratadine (Claritin) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Xyzal (levocetirizine) Runny nose, sore throat, Decongestant congestion,fever (cold) (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) {Sudafed PE} Dry coughs Antitussive (dextromethorphan {Robitussin DM, DELSYM, Mucinex DM}) Moist coughs Expectorant (guiafenesin {Robitussin, Mucinez}) Frequently asked questions continued: Resources and Local Testing Sites OU Health Services Laboratory Should I use a lubricant with a condom? Goddard Health Center Some condoms are already “pre-lubricated.” If you buy 620 Elm Avenue condoms not already lubricated, it’s a good idea to apply Norman, OK 73019 some yourself. Even if a condom is pre-lubricated, you (405) 325-2404 may wish to use more lubrication to make penetration more comfortable, and it also makes condoms safer! Lu- Cleveland County Health Department bricants may help prevent condoms from breaking during 250 NE 12th Ave use and may prevent irritation, which might increase the Norman, OK 73071 chance of infection. (405) 321-4048 If you use a separate lubricant, be sure to use one that’s Centers for Disease Control water-based and made for this purpose. Never use oil or www.cdc.gov/std/ oil-based lubricants — like Vaseline, baby oil, and hand lotion — with latex condoms. They can weaken latex, Bedsider causing a condom to tear easily. A safe lubricant to use www.bedsider.org should say “water-based,” “silicone-based” or “safe for use with latex condoms” on the package. Some common, “condom-friendly” lubricants are K-Y Jelly and Astroglide. There are also flavored, water-based lubricants for use during oral sex. Put a few drops of lubricant inside of the tip of the condom before rolling it down over the penis, and then put more lubricant on the outside of it. This will decrease friction between the condom and the skin of both partners. With the female condom, put lubricant inside and outside of the pouch. (Do not use male and female condoms at the same time.)