PHAR 100 - Module 5

Non-prescription drugs

Drugs that can be sold to the public without a prescription, also known as over-the-counter drugs.

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC)

Medications sold for self-diagnosable mild symptoms, allowing the public to choose appropriate treatments without a prescription.

Guidelines for using an OTC drug

Recommendations for safe OTC drug use, including not replacing prescription drugs, consulting a pharmacist, and avoiding self-medication for over 2 weeks without medical advice.

Safety and efficacy of OTC drugs

OTC drugs' regulation under the Foods and Drugs Act, potential lack of effectiveness and presence of toxicities in older OTC drugs not subjected to randomized trials.

Selection of appropriate OTC drugs

Criteria for choosing OTC drugs, such as proven efficacy, simple formulations, brand vs. generic considerations, and appropriate dosages.

Internal analgesics

OTC drugs providing pain relief, including mechanisms of action like blocking Cox enzymes (e.g., aspirin).

Antihistamines

OTC drugs used for allergy symptoms, acting as CNS depressants by blocking histamine receptors.

Drugs for excess stomach acid

OTC medications like antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors that decrease stomach acid secretion.

Decongestants

OTC drugs that constrict blood vessels to relieve congestion, with potential adverse effects like chronic rhinitis.

Cough suppressants

OTC medications to suppress non-productive coughs, with centrally and peripherally acting options.

Laxatives

OTC drugs to increase stool excretion, including stimulant and bulk-forming agents with potential side effects like cramping.

Antidiarrheals

OTC drugs to control diarrhea, including absorbents and loperamide, a synthetic opioid.

Herbal drugs

Plant-based products used for health benefits, with varying efficacy and safety data, and potential interactions with allopathic medicine.

Vitamins

Essential substances for normal metabolic functions, available as water-soluble (e.g., Vitamin C) and fat-soluble (e.g., Vitamin A) forms.

Vitamin A deficiency

Can lead to growth delay, night blindness, drying of the eye surface, and bronchiole cell changes.

Excessive vitamin A intake

Can cause dry skin, vomiting, headache, enlarged liver, and spleen.

Vitamin D functions

Aids in calcium and phosphate absorption, bone formation, and blood calcium regulation.

Vitamin D deficiency

Results in decreased calcium absorption, low blood calcium, and calcium removal from bones.

Vitamin E functions

Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals.

Vitamin E deficiency

May occur in malabsorption syndromes.

Vitamin B12 & B9 functions

Aid in red blood cell synthesis.

Vitamin C functions

Essential for cell structure, bone and teeth formation, acts as an antioxidant, and aids iron absorption.

Food additives

Substances added to food for appearance, texture, and storage improvement.

Intentional food additives

Added to enhance food appearance, texture, and storage.

Unintentional food additives

Added inadvertently during food processing or storage.

Food additives regulation in Canada

Governed by Health Canada to ensure safety and proper use.

Determining toxicity of a food additive

Involves assessing risk/benefit ratio and studying animal toxicity.

Food additives as carcinogens

Compounds found carcinogenic are usually prohibited as additives.

Rational use of food additives

Justified if they enhance food quality, used in appropriate quantities, pure, and undergo toxicological evaluation.

Classes of food additives

Flavouring agents, colours, texture agents, preservatives, and sweeteners.