Buying OTC medication from your local pharmacy or manufacturer is a common practice for most people. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the public’s concerns to Buy OTC Medication, as well as some information about changing attitudes regarding the use of prescription medications.
Self-medicating with OTC
Self-medicating with OTC (over-the-counter) drugs is a major public health issue, particularly among pregnant women, because of potential dangers to the fetus if women incorrectly self-diagnose or hesitate to seek treatment for a condition. However, few studies have specifically examined how public attitudes toward OTC drugs affect self-treatment. For example, in a sample of adults with chronic migraines, researchers found that attitudes about self-treating migraines were related to the frequency of migraines diagnosed by a doctor and the number of years since the last diagnosis.
One of the most common types of OTC medicines is an antihistamine. These drugs, available in tablet, capsule, liquid, and syrup forms, are commonly used to treat allergies and tension-type illnesses such as hayfever, asthma, eczema, and other disorders. Some of the more common active ingredients in OTC antihistamines include diphenhydramine, histamine, and hydrocodone.
OTC medicines for the treatment of headaches
Two of the most common OTC medicines for the treatment of headaches are paracetamol and ibuprofen. OTC pain relievers can be purchased without a prescription from most pharmacies and many generic drugstores. In most cases, there are no restrictions on the size or strength of the pills, although recommendations from pharmacists and doctors are sometimes given. The recommended dose of Paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually for treatment of acute pain is twice or thrice a day.
Dissolving tablets
Dissolving tablets are another option for purchasing OTC pain relief medication. Although not as common, dissolving tablets are sold in pharmacies as well as at specialty shops. Although they may cost more than taking pills in tablet or liquid form, they do not require a prescription, and they can be purchased over the counter, without a doctor’s consultation. They are not available in all stores but can generally be found at pharmacy and supply warehouses. Because of the high cost of these medicines, it is usually best to purchase them through reputable mail-order companies and direct mail companies rather than through generic or discount retailers.
OTC decongestant medications
Several types of OTC decongestant medications are available. Many of these contain an ingredient that causes the patient’s breathing passages to become less restrictive, reducing the symptoms of congestion. Common ingredients include lecithin oil, mucus thinner and nasal decongestants. Patients with chronic or stubborn sinus conditions are encouraged to avoid any medications that contain ingredients that could cause further damage to their condition. These medications include any prescription antihistamines.
For individuals with minor to moderate sinus problems, decongestant medications often provide great relief. These include over-the-counter and prescription versions. The nasal spray type works by filling the patient’s nose and throat with a saline solution that helps loosen the thick mucus that can cause congestion and pain. This type of remedy is most effective after a cold or flu has had some time to build up in the sinus.
Generic versions of Medications for cold and flu
Another popular OTC pain relief medicine is over-the-counter or generic versions of cold and flu viruses and their remedies. As with any over-the-counter or generic drug, these may not be effective in all cases. When using these or any OTC products, it is important to follow any advice given to you by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals. These medications should not be used for cold or flu prevention once symptoms appear.
Contact your pharmacist for advice
You should also check with your healthcare provider before taking any of these medications for the above reasons. If you’re still unsure, you should contact your pharmacist for advice. They will be able to give you advice on the appropriate medication and dosage for your specific condition. Your pharmacist will also be able to recommend a healthcare provider in your area that may have the ability to prescribe an alternative, non-pharmaceutical products for you to take along with the OTC medications.
