What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medicines?
Just because a medicine is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
1. How are prescription medicines different from OTC ones?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Prescription
medicines require a doctor or other healthcare provider to monitor both how well they
work and possible side effects.
2. You should follow certain safety steps when you self-treat
with OTC medicines. What should you do?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
3. Aspirin can cause problems with which of these
conditions?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Aspirin and
other salicylates can bring on severe asthma attacks in sensitive people. People with
nasal polyps also may have breathing problems. Others at risk are those who have high
blood pressure. Children and teens shouldn't be given aspirin because of its link
to
Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal illness.
4. People allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to which other
OTC medicines?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Allergic
reactions may include a rash, itching, and breathing problems.
5. How long can you safely take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) and other OTC medicines such as acetaminophen, before seeing a healthcare
provider for a diagnosis?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Keep track of
how many days in a row you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. If
you're still having problems after 7 to 10 days, see your healthcare provider. Get
medical care sooner if your symptoms do not start to improve or get worse during those
7
to 10 days.
6. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause gastric
distress. But an overdose of as little as 4 grams over 24 hours can lead to irreversible
liver disease. Who is most at risk?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
If you take
more than an occasional dose of acetaminophen, don't drink alcohol. Overdoses of
acetaminophen alone are toxic to the liver. Alcohol in combination with advised dosages
of acetaminophen may be toxic to the liver.
7. Antacids often are taken for digestive problems. What is the
greatest danger?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Antacids can
increase or decrease the rate that other medicines are absorbed, or how well they
are
absorbed, or both. Another danger with taking antacids for long periods without a
diagnosis is that they may mask a more serious problem. This can include conditions
such
as an ulcer, or esophageal or stomach cancer.
8. Older adults are especially vulnerable to the side effects of
which of these OTC medicines?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Antihistamines
block histamine receptor sites, and older adults may have pronounced side effects,
such
as confusion, a dry mouth, lightheadedness, and problems with peeing. A side effect
of
antihistamines is the blocking of a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
Older adults make less acetylcholine and can't use it as well.
9. Many OTC medicines for children come in liquid form. What is
the best way to measure the dose?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The
correct answer is
Kitchen
utensils aren't accurate for measuring medicine doses. Medicine or dosing spoons may
look like wide straws with a spoon at one end. They are designed for children who
can
drink from a cup but are likely to spill. Measure the dose at eye level. Keep a written
record of when you give the dose. This can prevent both missing a dose and accidentally
overdosing a child.
10. What should you look for when you select an OTC
medicine?
You didn't
answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Multi-symptom
medicines expose you to medicines you don't need. This increases the risk for side
effects. Ask the pharmacist for help in choosing the safest and most effective OTC
medicine for your symptoms.
Your score was: