What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications?

1. How are prescription drugs different from over-the-counter (OTC) ones?

a. they contain higher amounts of active ingredients

b. they don't contain dyes or preservatives

c. they're unsafe for use without medical supervision

d. they can be toxic

2. You should follow certain precautions when you self-treat with OTCs. What should you do?

a. diagnose your health problem carefully

b. read the label carefully and follow dosage instructions

c. follow any label warnings

d. all of the above

3. Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take. Aspirin, for example, can cause problems with which of these conditions?

a. asthma

b. bronchitis

c. sinusitis

d. low blood pressure

4. People allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to which other OTC(s)?

a. naproxin

c. ketoprofin

b. ibuprofen

d. all of the above

5. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safely for how long before seeing a doctor for a diagnosis?

a. 1 to 3 days

c. 7 to 10 days

b. 3 to 5 days

d. 30 days

6. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause gastric distress, but an overdose of 15 grams can lead to irreversible liver disease. Who is most at risk?

a. drinkers

c. anyone fasting

b. smokers

d. a and c

7. Antacids often are taken for digestive problems. What is the greatest danger?

a. people tend to overdose

b. people take them for longer than recommended

c. antacids affect the absorption of other drugs

d. they can have a rebound effect

8. The elderly are especially vulnerable to the side effects of which of these OTCs?

a. laxatives

b. pain relievers

c. antihistamines

d. decongestants

9. Many OTC medications for children come in liquid form. What is the best way to measure the dosage?

a. use a kitchen tablespoon

b. use a kitchen teaspoon

c. use a special dosing spoon

d. any of the above

10. What should you look for when you select an OTC drug?

a. one that helps a wide range of symptoms

b. one that helps your primary symptom

c. one that's a time-release formula

d. one that doesn't have red dye

The answers

1. c, they're unsafe for use without medical supervision. Prescription drugs require a an accurate diagnosis before being prescribed, some require a doctor or other health care provider to monitor their effects and most of the drugs that are prescription that way because unsupervised use may be dangerous.

2. d, all of the above.

3. a, asthma. Aspirin and other salicylates can bring on severe asthmatic attacks in sensitive people. People with nasal polyps also may experience breathing problems. Others at risk are those who have high blood pressure. Children shouldn't be given aspirin because of its link to Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal illness.

4. d, all of the above. Allergic reactions may include a rash, itching and breathing difficulties.

5. c, 7 to 10 days. Keep track of how many consecutive days you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxin or acetaminophen. If you're still having problems after seven to 10 days, see your doctor.

6. a. If you take more than an occasional dose of acetaminophen, don't drink. Overdoses of acetaminophen alone are toxic to the liver. Alcohol in combination with recommended dosages of acetaminophen may be toxic to the liver.

7. c, antacids affect the absorption of other drugs. Antacids can increase or decrease the rate and/or extent of absorption. Another danger with taking antacids for extended periods without a diagnosis is that they may mask a more serious problem, such as an ulcer or esophageal cancer.

8. c, antihistamines. These drugs block histamine receptor sites. A side effect of antihistamines is the blocking of a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Because the elderly produce less acetylcholine and can't use it as well, they may experience pronounced side effects, such as confusion, a dry mouth, lightheadedness and problems with urination.

9. c, use a special dosing spoon. These spoons resemble wide straws with a spoon at one end. They are designed for children who can drink from a cup but are likely to spill. Measure the dose at eye level.

10. b, one that helps your primary symptom. Multisymptom medications expose you to drugs you don't need, which increases the risk of side effects.