OTC Products

OTC Meds

Other the counter medications : can be sold without prescription

Pharm techs must be familiar with

- OTC products -understand limitations (consult w pharmacist) - billing ordering issues w OTC products - Stay current on products & changes

Durham-Humphrey Amendment

Created to classes of drugs -prescription : RX due to misuse or could lead to harm & -Nonprescription : 700+ sold otc

Transition to RX to OTC

Manufacture must file new drug applications (NDA) w FDA, normally after its been Rx for several yrs. -Can take 10+ months -FDA can remove nonprescription status if drug is found unsafe

Acetaminophen

Catagory : analgesic (pain relief) & antipyretic (fever reduction) **relieves pain

Aspirin

Catagory : analgesic (pain relief) & antipyretic (fever reduction) **Reduce pain, inflammation & swelling, & fever

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

Catagory : analgesic (pain relief) & antipyretic (fever reduction) **(Eg: ibuprofen, naproxen, & magnesium salicylate) reduce inflammation and fever

Antihistamines

Respiratory Symptoms Agents **alleviate sneezing, runny nose, & watery eyes, or, other allergic reactions

Antitussives

Respiratory Symptoms Agents **Suppress unprotective coughs

Decongestants

Respiratory Symptoms Agents **Help with stuffy nose

Expectorants

Respiratory Symptoms Agents **Turn unproductive cough into productive cough

Acid reflux medications (antacids)

Category: Gastrointestinal system agent

Use: Neutralizes stomach acid

Antidiarrheals

agent

Use: Treats elimination issues, diarrhea

Laxatives

Category: Gastrointestinal system agent

Use: Treats constipation

Antiemetics

Category: Gastrointestinal system agent

Use: Reduces or prevents nausea and vomiting

Antiflatulents

Category: Gastrointestinal system agent

Use: Removes excess gas in the stomach and intestinal tract

Antihemorrhoidals

Category: Gastrointestinal system agent

Use: Reduces burning, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids

Acne treatment products

(Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Reduces acne

Minoxidil

Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Promotes hair growth

Anti-infectives (topical)

Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Prevents infection in minor cuts and scrapes

Salicylic Acid

Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Treats abnormal skin growths like corns, calluses, and warts

Sunscreen and sunburn products

Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Protects skin from UV damage and helps prevent sunburn

Other medications (Dandruff, Dermatitis, Head Lice)

Category: Integumentary system agent (skin, hair, nails)

Use: Treats dandruff, dermatitis, and head lice

Central Nervous System Agents

OTC medications with direct effects on the central nervous system (e.g., Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine)

Ophthalmic Agents

Drops go directly in the eye (e.g., ophthalmic antihistamines, ophthalmic decongestants, artificial tears)

Otic Agents

Cerumen-softening products, ear-drying products, and botanical/homeopathic products to ease mild ear pain

Oral Agents

Liquid solutions, pastes, and dissolvable strips to treat conditions of the mouth or oral cavity (includes toothpaste and pain relievers)

Contraceptives

Prevent pregnancy (e.g., condoms, spermicidal foams, creams, jellies, contraceptive sponges)

Smoking Cessation

Nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum, nicotine transdermal patches