A non-prescription drug or an over-the-counter drug can sometimes be associated with self-medication. Non-prescription drugs are the ones that do not need a prescription for their purchase. They are produced, distributed, and sold for use by consumers on their initiative.
They serve to relieve, treat, or prevent diseases or minor ailments. They do not require a precise medical diagnosis or follow-up treatment and are intended for healthy self-care. They have extensive experience of use.
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What characteristics do over-the-counter medicines have?
- Patients can use them for problems that they can recognize themselves.
- Physician intervention is not required for safe and effective use. But the advice of the pharmacist may be necessary.
- They cannot contain certain types of medication, for example, those that could be abused (such as psychoactive drugs or narcotics).
- They cannot include injectable medications.
- They are unlikely to be misused if the directions for use are followed.
- There is information about the health problem for which it should be used in the box. For example: “temporary and occasional constipation relief”, “gas relief”, etc.
- Sometimes they also carry information for conservation (e.g., “Keep the bottle tightly closed,” “Discard after one month after opening the container”) and recommendations for safe use (e.g., “Indicated in adults and children older than two years”).
What are the differences between over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs?
- You cannot purchase it without a prescription. It bears the text on its box: “With a medical prescription,” or “Medication subject to medical prescription.”
- They need more guarantees in terms of security. They are at greater risk of being misused. They carry substances that can cause more critical or frequent unwanted effects.
- The doctor must diagnose the disease and monitor its effectiveness and possible adverse effects to use them.
What types of drugs are included in the over-the-counter drugs?
- Medicines for pain or fever: paracetamol, ibuprofen.
- Drugs for digestive discomfort (gas, burning, etc.), constipation (glycerin suppositories), and diarrhea (oral rehydration solutions, probiotics);
- Products applied to the skin, such as creams, lotions, etc., to relieve muscle pain or skin irritations;
- Antihemorrhoidal (for hemorrhoids);
- Some eye drops (to treat the eyes when irritated);
- Prepared with vitamins or minerals;
- Anti-catarrh and anti-flu medicines: mucolytics (to facilitate the elimination of mucus), nasal decongestants (for nasal congestion), and some antitussive medicines against cough;
- Some Antihistamines treat allergy symptoms.
What precautions should I take to use them?
- All medicines, including over-the-counter or non-prescription drugs, can cause unexpected side effects.
- Always follow the instructions and warnings on the package and leaflet. If there is any doubt, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. You have to check:
- If they are compatible with other medicines taken, avoid interactions.
- If they have the same active ingredients as other medications that we are using, we risk taking a higher dose than allowed (danger of intoxication).
- If you can use them for other diseases in the body
- You must respect the expiration date; it is displayed with month and year. The expiration date is the last day of that month. In addition, some medicines have a limited expiration date once the container is started. In that case, the validity period will be indicated on the box and leaflet.
- You should follow the storage recommendations on the container. In general, they should be stored in a cool, dry area. The heat of the kitchens and the humidity of the bathrooms can deteriorate them.
- Take the exact dose to be taken. In the case of syrups, you must use the spoon, glass, dropper, or syringe that comes in the package.
- Like all medicines, they should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before use.
- Any drug or medicine can have a different effect on children and the elderly. In these age groups, care must be taken respecting the doses on the package insert.
Conclusion
Getting an over-the-counter drug can be dangerous when not acquired from a reputable store. One needs to be careful as this can cause further damage to one’s health. However, contact Canada Drug Direct if you need over-the-counter drugs in a reputable Canadian pharmacy online.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Pharmacies.
