Chapter 7: OTC, Herbal, and Dietary Supplements – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from OTC drugs and herbal/dietary supplements, including definitions, labeling, risks, common herbs, and nursing considerations.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Nonprescription medicines used for short-term, minor illnesses; more than 300,000 OTC products are available on the market.

FDA OTC Review (1972)

The process by which the FDA evaluates the safety, efficacy, and labeling of OTC drugs.

Reclassification (OTC)

Movement of drugs from prescription status to OTC status.

OTC Labeling

Labels must include uses, warnings, directions, side effects, interactions, and storage information.

Risks & Hazards of OTCs

OTCs can delay treatment of serious conditions, mask symptoms, cause toxicity/dependence, interact with prescriptions, and be misused if labels aren’t read.

Herbal & Dietary Supplements

Orally administered alternatives (herbs, vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes); not FDA-regulated for safety/effectiveness like prescription meds. Misleading labels imply natural = safe

Not FDA-regulated for safety/effectiveness

Herbal/dietary supplements are not held to the same safety/efficacy standards as prescription drugs.

Herbs (in supplements)

Plant components (roots, bark, leaves, flowers) used medicinally.

can cause adverse effects and major drug interactions

Chamomile

Herb used for anxiety/stress.

Kava

Herb associated with liver toxicity and additive sedation.

Valerian

Herb used for insomnia; can cause drowsiness and should be avoided with alcohol or sedatives.

Echinacea

Herb used for colds/cough; avoid in patients using immunosuppressants.

Elderberry

Herb used for colds/cough; avoid with immunosuppressants.

St. John’s Wort

Herb used for depression; interacts with SSRIs, birth control, and warfarin; can cause serotonin syndrome or reduced effectiveness of other meds.

Feverfew

Herb that can increase bleeding risk; used for headache/arthritis; may cause GI upset.

Turmeric

Herb used for inflammation (headache/arthritis); can cause GI upset and may interact with other meds.

Melatonin

Supplement used for insomnia.

Licorice root

Herb used for GI issues/ulcers; can raise blood pressure and cause hypokalemia.

Aloe

Herb used for GI issues/ulcers; can cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance.

Evening Primrose Oil

Herb used for PMS; may have hormonal interactions.

Chasteberry

Herb used for PMS; may have hormonal interactions.

Garlic

Herb used for fever/infections; can increase bleeding risk.

Ginseng

Herb used for weakness/fatigue; can raise blood pressure and blood sugar; avoid in uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.

Nursing Process: Implementation (Education)

Patient education is essential: teach safe use, correct dose/frequency, how to take, prevent side effects/interactions/toxicity; explain that manufacturers don’t have to prove safety/efficacy; natural does not equal safe.