Chances are you have used an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to treat a headache, relieve allergy symptoms, or manage a cold. OTC medicines are available without a prescription from a health care provider, making them a convenient option for treating many common health conditions. However, their availability doesn’t mean there is no risk. Like prescription medicines, OTC medicines should be used as instructed on the label. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of OTC medicines and ways to make sure they are being used and stored safely.
Types of OTC Medicines
There are hundreds of OTC medicines available, but most fall into a few common categories. Knowing the specific use of each type can help you choose the right treatment for your symptoms. It is best practice to talk with your health care provider or pharmacist before starting a new OTC medicine.
Pain relievers help relieve pain or reduce fever. Common examples include ibuprofen (Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), and aspirin. These medicines are often used for headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and other general pain. Pain relievers are often found in combination with other OTC medicines. In fact, acetaminophen is found in more than 600 medicines. This includes prescription medicines and OTC medicines.
Allergy medicines help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itching. Common examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratadine (Claritin®), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
Cold and flu medicines can help manage symptoms such as congestion and coughing. Examples include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) for nasal congestion, and dextromethorphan (Robitussin®) to help relieve coughing. There are also many combination products such as Dayquil®, Theraflu®, and Tylenol Cold and Flu Multi-Symptom®, which contain multiple active ingredients to help relieve more than one symptom.
Digestive medicines treat common stomach and digestive problems. Antacids like Tums® can relieve heartburn, laxatives such as MiraLAX® can help with constipation, and medicines like Dramamine® can help prevent or treat motion sickness and nausea.
Sleep aids help with occasional trouble sleeping. Common examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl® or Nytol®) and docylamine succinate (Unisom®).
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin. Hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching and rashes, while antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin® can help prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes.
Cough remedies include cough syrups and throat lozenges that can help soothe a sore throat and provide temporary relief from coughing.
Vitamins and supplements are used to support overall health and help meet nutritional needs.
Drug Facts Label
Every over-the-counter medicine has a Drug Facts Label, which is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You’ll find it on the outside package or, if there is no outer packaging, on the medicine container itself. The label is designed to give you the information you need to use the medicine safely.
Before taking any OTC medicine, take a few minutes to read the Drug Facts Label. It can help you choose the right product, take the proper dose, and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and drug interactions. Read the label every time you use an OTC medicine, even if you have used it before. This is important because your health, medicines, or medical conditions may have changed, and the product’s label may have been updated since you last used it. A warning that did not apply to you in the past may now be important for your safety.
The Drug Facts Label is typically divided into nine sections:
- Drug Facts
This is the title at the top of the label.
- Active Ingredient(s)
This section lists the active ingredient(s) and the amount in each dose, such as each tablet or capsule. For topical products that do not have a standard dosage unit, the amount of each active ingredient(s) may be stated as a percentage of the product.
Always check the active ingredients before taking any medicine. Many OTC medicines may contain the same active ingredients as other OTC medicines you may be taking. Taking two products with the same active ingredients can lead to unwanted symptoms or an overdose.
- Purpose
The Purpose section states what the active ingredient does. Examples include:
- Pain reliever
- Fever reducer
- Antihistamine
- Nasal decongestant
- Cough suppressant
- Use(s)
This section lists what symptoms or conditions the medicine is meant to treat or relieve. Reading this section can help you decide if the medicine is appropriate for your symptoms.
- Warnings
The Warnings section contains important safety information and should always be read before taking a medicine. It may include:
- Who should not use the product.
- When to ask a health care provider or pharmacist before using it.
- Possible drug interactions or side effects.
- When to stop using the medicine and seek medical care.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding information.
- Storage and safety instructions, such as “Keep out of reach of children.”
Some OTC medicines are not safe for people with certain medical conditions or for those taking certain prescription medicines. If you take prescription medicines or have ongoing health conditions, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before using an OTC medicine.
- Directions
The Directions section tells you how to use the medicine as intended. It may include:
- How much to take or use.
- How to take or apply the medicine.
- How often to use it.
- How long it can be used for.
- Any special instructions.
Always follow the directions exactly as written. Taking too much or using a medicine in the wrong way can be harmful. If you think you or someone else has used an OTC medicine incorrectly, call the Maryland Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, expert advice from pharmacists and nurses.
- Other Information
This section may include additional information such as how to store the medicine or other important information that doesn’t fit elsewhere on the label.
- Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients are the ingredients that do not treat your symptoms but help make the product, such as any flavorings, preservatives, or coloring agents. This section lists all inactive ingredients and can be especially helpful for people with allergies or sensitivities.
- Questions or Comments
Some, but not all, OTC medicines include a Questions or Comments section. It provides a phone number you can call if you have questions about the product.
You can also call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison specialist if you have questions about an OTC medicine.
Dosing
Instructions on how much medicine to take or use are found on the medicine’s Drug Facts Label under and should always be followed exactly.
Many liquid OTC medicines come with a dosing device, such as a measuring cup, oral syringe, or dosing spoon. Always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine to ensure you are taking or giving the correct amount. Not all dosing devices have the same measurement units. Never use a kitchen spoon, a dosing device from another medicine, or estimate the amount.
Taking more medicine than directed will not help you feel better faster. In fact, taking too much medicine can be dangerous and may require medical attention. Always read the label carefully and take only the recommended dose.
If an OTC medicine does not have dosing for children on the label, do not use it for a child unless directed by their pediatrician. Children are not “small adults” and do not react to medicine the same way adults do. Even a small dose of adult medicine may be harmful to children.
When giving a child medicine, keep track of the dose and what time it was given. This will help you and other caregivers avoid giving a double dose or missing a dose.
Safe Storage
It’s important to store all medicines, including OTC medicines, safely to ensure they are used in the right way, right amount, and by the right person. Medicine should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, pets, and visitors to prevent them from getting into it, which can be dangerous. Some teens and visitors might also seek medicines in your home for improper use. Safe storage can help prevent this.
When closing medicine containers, make sure safety caps are tightly closed. Child-resistant caps can help keep young kids out of medicines, but these caps are not child-proof. Given enough time, many children will be able to get the container open.
Additional Tips for Using OTC Medicines Safely
In addition to always following the Drug Facts Label, there are a few simple steps you can take to use OTC medicines safely.
Do not use expired medicines. Expired medicines can be less effective or pose health risks. Dispose of all expired medicines safely. For information on how to dispose of medicines, visit our Safe Medicine Disposal blog.
Talk with tweens and teens about medicine safety. As children get older, they may begin managing their own medicines. While learning independence is important, it can also increase the risk of taking the wrong dose, using a medicine incorrectly, or misusing medicines. Having regular conversations about safe medicine use can help them make responsible choices. For more information, read our Talking With Your Pre-Teen or Teen about Medicines and Other Substances blog.
Save the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone. If you have questions about an OTC medicine or have experienced a poisoning involving an OTC medicine, poison specialists are available to provide free, confidential advice. Speaking with a poison expert who can consider your specific situation is often faster and more reliable than searching for answers online.
If you or someone you know has questions or needs help with an OTC medicine, call the Maryland Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We provide free, confidential advice 24/7.
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