Home Conditions & Treatments Pediatric Health Library Digestive and Liver Disorders

Pediatric Health Library

Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Topic Index
Library Index
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

How to Safely Choose OTC Medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and pain relievers, laxatives, and headache remedies may treat different conditions, but they all have one thing in common. They’re serious medicines that need to be taken with care.

OTC medicines may carry all the same side effects and risks as prescription medicines, even though you don’t need a prescription to buy them. Generally, they are safe when taken exactly as directed on the label., But they may be dangerous if the wrong dosage is taken or the correct dosage is taken too often.

When taking OTCs, always read the label. This will help you decide if you have picked the right product for your symptoms. By reading the label, you will find the dosing instructions and read about any warnings that may apply to you. This includes not to take a medicine if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson disease, or if you are pregnant.

The label will tell you what to stay away from while taking the medicine. Like prescription medicines, some OTC medicines can cause side effects or reactions. Or may interact with other medicines you take. Read the label to see what to stay away from while you’re taking an OTC medicine.

Take medicine exactly as stated on the label. If that dosage or amount doesn't help your symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Contact your healthcare provider if you still have symptoms after the number of days advised on the bottle. Or if your symptoms get worse.

Use extra caution when taking more than one medicine at a time.

Some prescription medicines contain the same ingredients as OTCs. Combining two or more of these medicines would result in an overdose.

If, for instance, you take a prescription medicine that contains acetaminophen, and then take an OTC form of acetaminophen, you could risk developing liver failure.

Always read and follow the directions on OTC medicines. Store all your medicines in a cool dry place, and in their original containers. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.