Over the counter (OTC) Safety tips for your holiday home.

Source: US Food & Drug Safety Administration (FDA)

With the holidays here and the new year fast approaching, some helpful reminders for all of you feeling a little “under the weather” or ill during the holiday season.  There are OTC medications for just about everything these days, but I suspect most of you barely read food labels let alone drug labels. So a little primer. And a few highlights with the help of our friends at the FDA.

OTC Know-How: It’s on the Label:  You wouldn’t ignore your doctor’s instructions for using a prescription drug; so don’t ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Here’s what to look for:

• PRODUCT NAME
• “ACTIVE INGREDIENTS”:  therapeutic substances in medicine
• “PURPOSE”:  product category (such as antihistamine, antacid, or cough suppressant)
• “USES”:  symptoms or diseases the product will treat or prevent
• “WARNINGS”:  when not to use the product, when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects
• “DIRECTIONS”:  how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it
• “OTHER INFORMATION”:   such as storage information
• “INACTIVE INGREDIENTS”:   substances such as binders, colors, or flavoring

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never misuse OTC medicines by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it’s time to see a doctor.

Be sure to read the label each time you purchase a product. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn’t mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

Drug Interactions: A Word to the Wise:  Although mild and relatively uncommon, interactions involving OTC drugs can produce unwanted results or make medicines less effective. It’s especially important to know about drug interactions if you’re taking Rx and OTC drugs at the same time.

Some drugs can also interact with foods and beverages, as well as with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.  Some drug interaction cautions for common OTC ingredients:

• Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough-cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or drugs that treat sleeplessness.
• Do not use drugs that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.
• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you’re taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.
• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

Kids Aren’t Just Small Adults:  OTC drugs rarely come in one-size-fits-all. Here are some tips about giving OTC medicines to children:

• Children aren’t just small adults, so don’t estimate the dose based on their size.
• Read the label. Follow all directions.
• Follow any age limits on the label.
• Some OTC products come in different strengths. Be aware!
• Know the difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They are very different doses.
• Be careful about converting dose instructions. If the label says two teaspoons, it’s best to use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons, not a common kitchen spoon.
• Don’t play doctor. Don’t double the dose just because your child seems sicker than last time.
• Before you give your child two medicines at the same time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Never let children take medicine by themselves.
• Never call medicine candy to get your kids to take it. If they come across the medicine on their own, they’re likely to remember that you called it candy.

Well there you go. From our home to yours or some such thing.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire