Many people are under the false assumption that just because a medication is sold without a prescription, it is safe to take. This is not necessarily true and these medications should be taken only as directed and when indicated. Every medication, even those purchased off the shelf, has side effects and interactions. And they can be harmful in high doses. Another hazard in taking OTC (over the counter) medications may be that it is masking a more serious health problem. Not every cough is a virus and may be a sign of something worse, like asthma or congestive heart failure. Sure, it is more convenient to pick something off the shelf without seeing a doctor. And most of the time, this is appropriate and does not pose any harm However, there are times that these medications should only be taken under a physician’s guidance. For example, if you take multiple medications for chronic medical problems, it is better to get the advice of your doctor because there may be interactions with your medications. Likewise, some medications may worsen chronic diseases and should be avoided in those patients. Pregnant women should not take anything OTC without checking with her doctor first. Many OTC medications can cause to an unborn baby..
How can OTC medications be taken safely?
1. Read the label. It will clearly tell you what conditions the medication is typically used to treat. It will also give you the correct dose you are to take. It will include warnings, side effects, and possible interactions. Don’t take any OTC medication without carefully reading the label first.
2. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Many people think that more is better. This is simply not true. Too much of some medications can cause side effects and serious harm. Even tylenol taken in sufficiently high doses can be toxic to the liver and cause liver damage.
3. Read the interactions. If you take another medication and are unsure if it interacts with an OTC medication, ask. You don’t want to learn by having it happen to you. Some drug interactions can cause heart arryhthmias which can be fatal.
4. Do not take it for longer than recommended. Certain medications will tell you to see the doctor if it lasts for more than a few days. This is important because it is often a sign that there may be something more simister going on. That cold you were treating may actually be a pneumonia that needs antibiotics. Don’t delay seeking medical care.
5. Follow age guidelines. If the label tells you not to give it to a child under a certain age, don’t give it. Some medications can have serious side effects in the younger ages.
6. Store these OTC medications like you would any other. Keep them out of reach of children.
7. When in doubt, get help. It is better to err on the side of being overly cautious than to suffer an untoward side effect because you did not want to seek care.
While the number of OTC medications have been proliferating, the choices out there are getting more diverse and confusing. For the most part, these medications can be taken safely without the supervision of a physician. But, the assumption that this is universally true is dangerous. Caution should be taken with OTC drugs as with anything else in life that has risk.
