2.1 pharmacology

What are nonprescription medications commonly called?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

What defines an OTC medication?

A medication available without a prescription and usually without restriction

Where are some nonprescription medications kept despite not requiring a prescription?

Behind the pharmacy counter

What is required to purchase certain behind-the-counter OTC medications?

Identification (ID)

Which decongestant is kept behind the pharmacy counter?

Pseudoephedrine

Why is pseudoephedrine restricted behind the counter?

It can be used to make crystal meth

Give an example of a medication that was once prescription-only but is now OTC.

Loratadine (Claritin)

Give an example of an OTC acid blocker that was previously prescription-only.

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

When did the FDA begin reviewing OTC medications?

1972

What was the primary goal of the FDA OTC drug review?

To ensure OTC medications are safe and effective

What happened to OTC drugs found to be unsafe during the FDA review?

They were removed from the market

What eventually happened to most OTC drugs found to be ineffective?

They disappeared from store shelves

What was the second goal of the FDA OTC drug review?

To establish appropriate labeling standards

What must consumers be able to do regarding indications for OTC use?

Diagnose the condition and monitor effectiveness

How must benefits compare to risks for OTC medications?

Benefits of correct use must outweigh risks

What type of adverse event profile must an OTC drug have?

Favorable adverse events profile

What interaction potential must OTC medications have?

Limited interactions with other drugs

What abuse potential must OTC medications have?

Low potential for abuse

What does a high therapeutic index indicate?

A wide margin of safety

What practical qualities must OTC medications have?

Easy to use and easy to monitor

Why can OTC medications be risky for some patients?

They may worsen comorbid conditions

List diseases that may be negatively affected by OTC medications.

Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma

What should patients with comorbidities do before using OTC medications?

Consult a health care professional

When is consultation especially important for OTC use?

When planning continuous or long-term use

What do most OTC medications primarily treat?

Symptoms

How can OTC medication use delay appropriate care?

It may prevent treatment of the underlying cause

Do OTC medications shorten the duration of the common cold?

No, they only relieve symptoms

Why might a provider recommend against an OTC medication?

Safety concerns or patient comorbidities

What labeling requirement resulted from the FDA OTC review?

All OTC medications must include a Drug Facts label

Who especially needs to understand Drug Facts labels?

Health care professionals

Where is the most important information on a Drug Facts label located?

At the top

What information is listed together in the first row of the Drug Facts label?

Active ingredient and purpose

Why is knowing the active ingredient important?

It identifies the drug class and what it treats

What does the Uses section describe?

Recommended uses of the drug

What type of information is found in the Warnings section?

Safety concerns, side effects, and when to consult a provider

What pregnancy-related warning is included on Drug Facts labels?

Consult a health care professional before use

What child-related warning is included on OTC labels?

Keep out of reach of children

What does the Directions section include?

Dosage amounts and frequency, often divided by age

What is typically found in the Other Information section?

Storage requirements

Why are storage instructions important?

They maintain medication stability

Why are inactive ingredients important to review?

They may cause allergic reactions

Are OTC medications intended for long-term use?

No, they are intended for short-term use

After how many days of daily OTC use should a patient seek medical advice?

More than 7–10 days

Why should prolonged OTC use prompt medical evaluation?

To rule out serious underlying conditions