The Wellness Corner…by Judith Wallace, RN, FCN

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a common item in most households.  These are drugs which can be purchased without a prescription and are found in virtually all supermarkets and drug stores.  Included in this drug category are laxatives, cold medicines, allergy preparations, dietary supplements, antacids, eye drops, nasal sprays, anti-itch creams, anti-inflammatory ointments, pain tablets, and many more.  Most people assume that these products are completely safe because they are available without a prescription.  While OTCs are less likely to cause unpleasant reactions in healthy people, they can cause unpleasant, and even dangerous side effects in persons who have chronic health problems such as: asthma, bleeding problems, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, kidney problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, prostate trouble, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and others.

Another important consideration before choosing an over-the-counter product is its compatibility with other products. The body processes (metabolizes) every drug differently. When medicines are used together (whether prescription or OTC) their effect on the body can change, called a drug-drug interaction. This increases the chance that you will have side effects from each drug you are taking. The following are the main interaction types:

Duplication: If you take two medicines that have similar active ingredients, you may get more of an ingredient than you need. An example is when you take OTC ibuprofen along with a prescription anti-inflammatory medicine given to you by your doctor. Too much of either an anti-inflammatory medicine or acetaminophen (1 brand name: Tylenol) can hurt your liver. You should be aware of all the active ingredients in the medicines you take. Be sure to check each new medicine to avoid duplication.

Opposition (antagonism): Medicines with active ingredients intended to have opposite effects on your body can interact, which may reduce the effectiveness of 1 or both medicines. For example, OTC decongestants can cause opposition when taken with certain medicines intended to lower your blood pressure, because decongestants may raise your blood pressure.

Alteration: One medicine may change the way the body absorbs, spreads or metabolizes another medicine. For example, aspirin can change the way certain prescription blood thinning medicines work.

If you see more than one doctor, tell each of them about the medicines you take — even if you take something for just a short time. Include any herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals you take. At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you when you see your doctor.

It is also important to follow dose instructions on the label of OTC drugs.  Despite the fact that these drugs are available in the supermarket, it is not safe to take more than the recommended amount.  Taken in excess, these drugs can cause damage to major organs and other serious problems.  Read the label and follow the instructions for all OTCs, they are drugs.  For more information about this or other health topics, contact me at www.westyorkcob.org and click on the Faith Community Nurse page.  Be Well!