Why is it important to know about over-the-counter drugs?
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those available without a prescription. OTC drugs enable people to relieve many annoying symptoms and to cure some diseases simply and without the cost of seeing a doctor. However, safe use of these drugs requires knowledge, common sense, and responsibility.
Do I need a prescription for over-the-counter drugs?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, devices, and products are available without a prescription. You can purchase many of these items right from the pharmacy or grocery store.
What’s the difference between over the counter and prescription?
Prescription medications are specially tailored for use by a specific person for a specific use. OTC medications are considered safe for just about everyone and may have a variety of intended purposes.
What happens when you take an over the counter drug?
When taken in moderate to high doses the drug can produce drowsiness, fatigue, disturbed coordination, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, and hallucinations. Once the threshold of regular high dosage has been reached, the dangers increase substantially.
How does the FDA review over the counter drugs?
Does the FDA review over-the-counter (OTC) drugs? The review of OTC medications is primarily handled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Drug Information (CDER), the Office of Drug Evaluation, and the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee. These teams evaluate and review OTC ingredients and labels.
What kind of drugs are kept behind the pharmacy counter?
These products, while considered OTC, are kept behind the pharmacy counter and are dispensed by a pharmacist. Some products, such as pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed ), which is subject to abuse, may require proper identification and a signature. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse sedation and depressed breathing in an opioid-overdose.
How many over the counter medications are there?
In the U.S., there are more than 80 classes of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, ranging from acne medicines to weight loss products. OTC drugs are medications that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional.
Does the FDA review over-the-counter (OTC) drugs? The review of OTC medications is primarily handled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Drug Information (CDER), the Office of Drug Evaluation, and the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee. These teams evaluate and review OTC ingredients and labels.
What do you mean by over the counter drugs?
Over-the-counter (nonprescription) drug products play an increasingly vital role in America’s health care system. OTC drugs are defined as drugs that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional. FDA’s review of OTC drugs is primarily handled by CDER’s Office of Drug Evaluation IV.
These products, while considered OTC, are kept behind the pharmacy counter and are dispensed by a pharmacist. Some products, such as pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed ), which is subject to abuse, may require proper identification and a signature. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse sedation and depressed breathing in an opioid-overdose.
What are the labeling requirements for over the counter drugs?
Over-The-Counter Human Drugs; Labeling Requirements: Final rule (PDF – 1.3MB) (effective 4/16/1999). This final rule establishes a standardized format and standardized content requirements for the labeling of OTC drug products.