What is Over-the-Counter Medications?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications refer to drugs that can be obtained without a prescription from a healthcare provider. Deemed safe and effective for public use without requiring immediate healthcare provider oversight, these drugs are typically used to address conditions that don’t necessarily warrant a visit to a medical professional.
Drug List at Canadian Meds Pharmacy
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Aspirin (Bayer)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Calcium carbonate (Tums)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Melatonin
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym)
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin)
- Lidocaine patches
- Benzoyl Peroxide (Clearasil)
- Ketotifen (Zaditor)
- Saline nasal spray
- Fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Senna (Senokot)
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (MiraLax)
- Simethicone (Gas-X)
- Caffeine tablets
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Zinc oxide cream
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
- Niacin supplements
- Fish Oil supplements
- Probiotics
- St. John’s Wort
- Echinacea
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Multivitamin tablets
- Cranberry capsules
- CoQ10
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Calcium supplements
Types of Over-the-Counter Medications
OTC medications cater to a wide array of health conditions and are available in diverse forms. Some prevalent categories include:
- Analgesics: These include pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Antacids: These are employed to alleviate heartburn and acid indigestion. Examples are Tums and Zantac.
- Antihistamines: These drugs are used to manage allergy symptoms. Examples encompass loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
- Decongestants: These provide temporary relief from nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Examples include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine).
Regulations Pertaining to Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA scrutinizes the ingredients and labeling of these drugs to ascertain their safety for self-medication and that consumers can comprehend how to utilize these products correctly.
Appropriate Use of Over-the-Counter Medications
Despite their widespread availability, OTC drugs must still be employed judiciously. Always read and adhere to the instructions on the product packaging. Refrain from exceeding the recommended dosage, and heed any warnings or contraindications.
It’s worth noting that while OTC drugs can assist in managing various health concerns, they do not substitute the need for routine health screenings and conversations with your healthcare provider.
To sum up, over-the-counter medications offer a convenient method to handle many minor health conditions. However, their availability sans prescription doesn’t diminish the need for their responsible and directed use to ensure secure and efficient treatment.