Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines

From pain relievers to cough and cold treatments to vitamins and minerals. Learn how to take your over-the-counter medicines safely, how to avoid side effects or potential interactions, and how to get the most from your medicine.

Getting the Most from Your Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines:

OTC drugs are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Chances are, you’ve used OTC products many times to relieve pain, constipation or nausea, or to treat symptoms of a cold or the flu.

Talk to your doctor:

If there is something you don't understand about a medicine you're taking or are planning to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you still don't understand, ask him or her to explain things more clearly. If you are taking more than one medicine, be sure to ask how the medicines will work together in your body.

Following questions:

1. How will I know if the medicine is working?
2. What are the possible side effects?
3. What does the medicine do?
4. When and how should I take the medicine?
5. Should I avoid any activities while I'm taking the medicine?
6. Are there any other medicines, foods or drinks I should avoid while taking the medicine?

Knowing about the medicines you take:

1. How long to continue taking the medicine
2. How much to take and how often to take it
3. Name (generic name and brand name)
4. Possible side effects and what to do if you experience them
5. Reason for taking the medicine
6. Special instructions

Taking medicine "Do" and "don'ts"

1. Do read the label carefully.
2. Do take your medicine exactly as your doctor instructs.
3. Do make sure that each of your doctors (if you see more than one) has a list of all of the OTC and prescription medicines you're currently taking.
4. Do keep a complete list of all the OTC and prescription medicines you take. Make sure a friend or family member knows where you keep that list in case of an emergency.
5. Don't combine prescription medicines and OTC medicines unless your doctor says it's okay.
6. Don't stop taking a prescription medicine, change how much you take, or change how often you take it without talking to your doctor first.
7. Don't take someone else's medicine, whether OTC or prescription.
8. Don't use medicine after its expiration date.
9. Don't crush, break or chew tablets or capsules unless your doctor tells it’s okay. Some medicines won't work right unless they are swallowed whole.