In our last post, we talked about how to understand the label on prescription medications.
Today, let’s help you make sense of a label on an over-the-counter (OTC) medication—the kind you can buy without a prescription.
OTC (Over-the-Counter) medications are sold in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online.
They’re meant for common health problems such as:
- mild pain
- fever
- allergies
- heartburn
- constipation
- cough and colds
- minor skin irritations
OTC medicines are easy to get and can be helpful, but that doesn’t mean they’re “harmless.”
If you use them incorrectly, you might experience:
- side effects (like vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhea)
- interactions with other medicines (some drugs can make an OTC stronger or weaker, or even block its effect)
- interactions with alcoholic drinks (alcohol can change how an OTC medicine works)
- interactions with food and supplements (some OTCs shouldn’t be taken with food or certain vitamins)
- poisoning (for example, from combining medicines or foods that shouldn’t be mixed, or from being allergic to an ingredient)
Here’s an example:
Mary, 42, had frequent headaches. A friend recommended an OTC painkiller that really helped her. Without thinking twice, Mary bought it.
She didn’t realize the label said “Do not use if you have stomach problems.” Mary already had gastritis but trusted her friend’s advice and skipped the warnings. After a few days, she started feeling heartburn and stomach upset.
If Mary had read the label carefully, she would have seen the warning and looked for a safer option.
Another example:
Peter, 60, has high blood pressure and takes medication for it. He bought an OTC nasal decongestant on his own.
The label said: “Do not use if you have high blood pressure” but Peter didn’t read it.
What happened?
His blood pressure became even harder to control.
When in doubt, ask the pharmacist for help and always read the “Drug Facts” label on any OTC medication!
For educational purposes only: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/over-counter-drug-facts-label
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Active ingredient: what actually treats your symptoms
- Uses: what the medicine is for
- Warnings: who should avoid it, possible side effects, allergies, when to stop and see a doctor, special warnings (for example, for pregnancy and alcohol use)
- Directions: how to use the medicine
- Other information: how to store it
- Inactive ingredients: colorings, preservatives, sweeteners
How to choose an OTC medication:
- Identify your main symptom before choosing a medicine.
- Read the Drug Facts label carefully, checking what the medicine is for, active ingredients, warnings, and interactions.
- Choose targeted medicines—pick one that treats only what you need, and avoid products that cover many symptoms unless necessary.
- Compare active ingredients across brands and make sure you don’t take more than one medicine with the same active ingredient at the same time.
- Stay safe: check the expiration date, follow instructions on how long to use the medicine, and know when to see a healthcare professional.
Golden rules:
- The label is your safety guide. Always read it before using any prescription, OTC medicine, or supplement.
- If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, stop and seek help from a healthcare professional.
- Follow the dose and maximum usage time on the label. If you need to use it longer, ask a professional for guidance.
References
Linch, S. S. Overview of Over-the-Counter Medications https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/drugs/over-the-counter-medications/overview-of-over-the-counter-medications
The Over-the-Counter Drug Facts Label: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/over-counter-drug-facts-label
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: https://www.drugs.com/otc