As you might have figured out from the title, in this blog we are going to talk about OTC drugs. The full form of OTC is over-the-counter drugs that are available in the market without any prescription. These drugs are generally used to treat the symptoms of many illnesses that do not need the assistance or help of any medical professional. You might be surprised to know that several items which you think to be medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, etc can also be categorized under “drugs”.
Are you wondering about the minor diseases that can be treated with the help of over-the-counter drugs? If yes, going through the pointers below can be of great help.
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Minor pains or aches
- Minor infections or allergies
- A sore throat
- Minor cuts
Though these drugs can be effective in treating various illnesses or health issues, it is essential for you to be aware of which drug should be consumed for which particular problem.
Are OTC drugs harmful?
It has been mentioned before that OTC drug doesn’t really require and medical prescriptions. But, these drugs can also have certain significant side effects. Some of the over-the-counter drugs can nullify the effect of the prescription drugs and cause serious harm to your body. They can make the blood thinner and increase the risk of bleeding from ulcers. It is to be noted that OTC drugs can also damage your organ if taken in greater amounts than recommended.
You should therefore be very careful to read the label, frequency of dosage, precautions, etc before consuming any dietary supplements or OTC drugs. In case of any confusion, do not hesitate to consult a medical health practitioner.
Common OTC drugs
We are also providing the common OTC drugs in the section below for your help.
| Drugs | Health Problems |
| Pain & Fever | Acetaminophen |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | |
| Aspirin | |
| Cough | Dextromethorphan |
| Guaifenesin | |
| Head & Sinus Congestion | Pseudoephedrine |
| Phenylephrine | |
| Headache, Sore Throat, Body ache | Acetaminophen |
| Benzocaine | |
| Ibuprofen | |
| Runny Nose, Sneezing, Watery eyes | Diphenhydramine |
| Loratadine | |
| Cetirizine | |
| Fexofenadine | |
| Stomach upset | Bismuth subsalicylate |
| Simethicone | |
| Dimenhydrinate | |
| Cimetidine | |
| Omeprazole | |
| Lansoprazole | |
| Constipation | Bisacodyl |
| Calcium docusate | |
| Senna | |
| Diarrhea | Attapulgite |
| Loperamide | |
| Bismuth subsalicylate |
Now that you have gained an idea about which drugs can be used to get rid of which particular problems, do not repeat the mistake of consuming the wrong medication next time.
New Vista Pharmacy is one of the best pharmacists in St, Anaheim, CA. We provide OTC drug services at an affordable price. In case of any need, do consult us without any hesitation. We are here to serve you with the best assistance. Thank you.