Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are ones that you can get without a doctor's prescription. They are generally less potent than prescription medicines. When taken in large amounts, though, an OTC medicine might equal or exceed the dose of a prescription medicine. Follow the directions on the label or package insert.
Use OTC Medicines Wisely
Follow these tips:
Ask your doctor what OTC products
you should avoid and which ones are safe for you to use. For example, find out what your
doctor prefers you to take for pain and fever. (See Your Home
Pharmacy.)
Do not exceed the dosages on the labels or
take OTC medicines on a regular basis unless your doctor tells you to.
Read the package labels or look up the name
of the medicine in the Physician's Desk Reference for Nonprescription 
Drugs. Information
and warnings listed can help you decide whether or not the product is safe for you to
take. If you are unsure
whether or not a particular OTC medication will help or harm you, check with your doctor
or pharmacist.
Don't take any OTC product if you are
pregnant or nursing a baby unless your doctor says it is okay.
Be sure to store medicines in a convenient
dry place, but out of children's reach.
Don't ever tell children that medicine is
candy.
Check the expiration dates periodically.
Discard and replace as needed.
If you have an allergy to a medicine, check
the list of ingredients on all other medicines to see if what you are allergic to is in
them. Some labels will warn you not to take that medicine if you are allergic to a certain
medicine or ingredient.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99