Family Doctor 2008

OTC SAFETY feeling great OTC safety as simple as 1-2-3 an important role in almost everyone’s wellbeing. By alleviating symptoms and common illnesses, they allow us to self-treat many medical problems as well as many health nuisances. But OTCs contain powerful ingredients that can be harmful if misused. So a word to the wise: Pay attention to labels, follow instructions and keep your medicine cabinet up-to-date. At some point, most of us will buy an over-the-counter medicine. But with growing numbers of products on the market, making the right choice can be confusing. Try this quick guide to protect yourself and your family. By Barbara L. Bittner O ver-the-counter (OTC) medications — the kind you can get without a doctor’s prescription — play The label on your OTC medicine provides a wealth of safety information. Store OTCs in a cool, dry place Experts recommend SENSE ITMAKES When medicines are combined, they may become dangerous or ineffective, or cause serious side effects. Drug interactions with food, alcohol or caffeine may be harmful. Supplements, herbal products in teas or tablets, or vitamins may also cause adverse reactions when taken with certain medicines. When you’re taking any medicine, or a combination of medicines, it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms after you start taking medicine. clearing your medicine cabinet and restocking at least once a year. Throw away anything that’s past the expiration date; dispose of them where children and pets can’t get to them. Keep all products, including all medications, in their original containers. Where should you store OTC and prescription medicines? Most people keep them in the bathroom. But you might be surprised that the heat and humidity from showers and baths can Also, if you’re taking several medications, check for duplicate active ingredients. By pumping your system full of both cold medicine and cough syrup, for example, you may be getting too much of certain ingredients, like acetaminophen, decongestants and antihistamines. So ask the pharmacist what you can mix safely. While most people know to tell a doctor about all of their prescriptions, the same rules apply to OTCs. These drugs can interact with your current prescriptions. So you need to include them on the drug list you provide your family physician. (Make sure the list includes how often and how many of each capsule or pill you take.) When giving OTCs to children, never give an adult dosage. cause drugs to deterio- Read labels They provide a wealth of safety information. Beyond noting what conditions or symptoms this particular medicine addresses, the label will tell you how much to take, when to take it, and for how long. It will also let you know just what side effects to expect and what foods, health conditions and activities could be problematic while you’re on the medication. You may be told, for instance, not to drink alcohol, drive a car or operate heavy machinery. Or you may be warned that because of your pregnancy or high blood pressure, you need to talk to your doctor. If so, do so. But also make friends with your pharmacist. He or she is trained to explain OTCs to you. rate quickly. So lock them in a container and store them in a cool, dark, dry place, out of the reach of children. The top shelf of the linen closet is a good choice. Barbara L. Bittner is an editor living in Albuquerque, NM. Use OTCs wisely The same common-sense steps you employ when taking prescription medications should be employed for OTCs. Never take more than the recommended dose. Never take anyone else’s medication. Recheck the label every time you use your OTC to make sure you’re taking the right dosage. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org/otc.xml U.S. Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_ med.html Consumer Healthcare Products Association http://www.chpa-info.org familydoctor 2008 17 http://familydoctor.org/otc.xml http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_med.html http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_med.html http://www.chpa-info.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Family Doctor 2008

Family Doctor 2008 Foreward Introduction Contents What Do You Want From Health Care? Confident Communication Need a New Doctor? Understanding Your Health Insurance OTC Safety as Simple as 1-2-3 The Fight Against Resistance Drug Interactions Prevention is Better than Cure Hitting a Home Run 'The Herbalist Will See You Now' Healthy Eating to Boost Your Heart and Health Exercise: The Elixir of Life Back from the Brink Taking Control Up All Night Vitamins and Minerals 101 Allergies: Combating the Causes Protect Yourself From Colds and the Flu Diabetes: Assessing Your Risk Dealing with Diabetes The Cholesterol Count Getting a Grip on Hypertension Facts About CKD Banish the Burn Easing the Pain Stop the Pounding Urinary Tract Infections: Common and Preventable Skin Essentials The ABCs of COPD Impotence: Tackling the Old Taboo Taking Responsibility for Your Health Prostate Cancer Screening: Is it For You? Protecting Your Prostate Heart Disease and Women: Know the Risks Birth Control to Suit You Maneuvering Through Menopause Help for PMS Infertility: Problems Having a Baby Preventive Health: What Women Need to Know Pregnancy: Taking Care of You and Your Baby Eating for Two Postpartum Mood Disorders The Basics of Breast Milk Newborn Screening Tests: Possible Lifesavers Common Newborn Conditions Childhood Vaccines: Why They're Necessary Food Allergies: The Facts Facing Your Acne Raising Grades Staying On Your Feet Age Gracefully: Take Care of Your Bones Battling Osteoarthritis Tackling Anxiety Beating the Blues

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