15B: Over-the-Counter Drugs Flashcards
What is the purpose of OTC drugs? How much do Canadians spend a year on them?
Used for the relief of symptoms of self-diagnosed illnesses. Canadians spend more than $3 billion a year.
What are two problems with OTC drugs?
Misuse: defined as using an OTC product for a legitimate medical reason but in higher doses or for a longer period than recommended, e.g. taking more of a painkiller than recommended to treat headache.
Abuse: non-medical use of OTC drugs, e.g. to experience a ‘high’ or lose weight.
When an ingredient formerly available only as prescription becomes available for nonprescription use it is referred to as a what? When is the opposite true?
“Rx-to-OTC” switch.
Opposite true when drug starts creating more than usual health problems, e.g. codeine.
What did the Food and Drug Administration find with regards to drug expiration dates?
90% of more than 100 drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, were perfectly good to use even 15 years after the expiration date.
What treatment of pain has been linked to liver damage? How?
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen overdose.
Effects of a toxic metabolite of acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) that is produced when acetaminophen is broken down by the body. Higher acetaminophen levels and greater NAPQI production = NAPQI binds to liver proteins, causing cellular injury that can lead to liver failure and death.
In selected cold and allergy products, what are the common ingredients for sympathomimetics, antihistamines, analgesics, and cough suppressants?
Sympathomimetics: phenylephrine.
Antihistamines: chlorpheniramine maleate.
Analgesics: acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Cough suppressants: dextromethorphan.
What are the five main drug groups of which OTC abuse is observed?
Codeine-based (especially compound analgesic) medicines.
Cough products (particularly dextromethorphan).
Sedative antihistamines.
Decongestants.
Laxatives.
In a qualitative study regarding OTC drug abuse, what is the main message? What was a key concern for individuals?
Addiction to OTC medicines was associated with genuine medical reasons initially and linked to medical prescribing.
Key concern: avoiding detection (varying venues).
Health Canada is moving to ban non-prescription sales of codeine, a widely used opioid that has been linked to abuse and dependence. What do they plan to prohibit?
Proposing to make pain pills, cough syrups and other familiar medications that contain codeine available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Why is education for high school students important?
Education about side effects of drugs, their interactions and toxicity seems important for prevention of accidental overdose.
