Non-prescription Drugs

Question 1

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Answer 1

sold without a prescription on the premise that general public is able to diagnose mild symptoms; controlled under the FDA

Question 2

Grandparenting

Answer 2

new regulations don’t apply to products that have already been on the market

Question 3

Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)

Answer 3

relives pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandins; stroke and heart attack prevention by inhibiting platelet aggregation (clot formation)

Question 4

ASA adverse effects

Answer 4

tinnitus (ear ringing), Reyes syndrome (affects CNS of children), allergic reactions, gastric irritation

Question 5

Acetaminiphen (tylenol)

Answer 5

analgesic and antipyretic (not anti-inflammatory) that inhibits prostaglandin synthetase but does not cause gastric irritation or Reyes syndrome but can lead to fatal liver injury

Question 6

NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen)

Answer 6

non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory that has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects that has reversible inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis but can cause some gastric irritationm skin rash, dizziness, blurred vision and fluid retention

Question 7

Anti-histamines

Answer 7

block histamine receptors to reduce allergy symptoms; those that don’t cause sedation are preferred

Question 8

Systemic Antacid

Answer 8

given orally and absorbed by GI tract but can cause systemic alkalosis

Question 9

Non-systemic Antacid

Answer 9

given orally but not absorbed by GI tract so don’t cause systemic alkalosis, has slow onset of action and can cause constipation

Question 10

H2 Agonist

Answer 10

block H2 receptors to reduce acid secretion and are more effective than antacids but can cause skin rashes, headaches and confusion

Question 11

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPIs)

Answer 11

permanently bind to proton pump and inhibit 90% of acid secretion; most effective for acid secretion suppression and adverse effect frequency is low

Question 12

Decongestant

Answer 12

cause constriction of blood vessels to prevent fluid accumulation and congestion, but can cause loral irritation, rebound congestion and potential alteration of bp

Question 13

Centrally-acting Cough Suppressant (dextramethorphan HBR)

Answer 13

block the processing of information in the medulla to reduce the frequency of the cough; most are sold with an ineffective dose

Question 14

Peripherally-acting Cough Suppressant

Answer 14

block the nerve endings in throat and bronchioles to inhibit the stimulus to cough; efficacy is questionable

Question 15

Expectorants

Answer 15

reduces viscosity of phlegm by increasing secretions; efficacy is questionable

Question 16

Sleeping Aids

Answer 16

antihistamine as sedative and analgesic used to help an individual fall asleep or reduce sleeplessness; not good at treating insomnia

Question 17

Stimulant Laxatives (bisacodyl)

Answer 17

increase motor activity of intestine, and increase secretion of mucus, water and electrolytes into the intestine

Question 18

Bulk-forming Laxatives

Answer 18

swell in water to form viscous gel that maintains soft-stool and can indirectly stimulate peristalsis; full effect occurs 2-3 days later

Question 19

Absorbant Antidiarrheal (pepto-bisomol)

Answer 19

add bulk to GI tract and absorb toxins to control acute symptoms of diarrhea

Question 20

Loperamide (antidiarrheal)

Answer 20

synthetic opioid that does not penetrate into CNS and inhibits gut motility by binding to opioid receptors in GI tract to reduce peristaltic activity; good for travellers diarrhea by inhibiting cramps

Question 21

Hydrocortisone

Answer 21

topical anti-inflammatory used for poison ivy, insect bites etc.

Question 22

Sunscreen

Answer 22

contains para-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, benzophenone and cinnamic acids that are absorbed into the outer layer of skin and scatter UV energy to prevent it from entering the lower layer of skin

Question 23

St. John’s Wort

Answer 23

contains hyperin and hyperforin that can treat mild to moderate depression; likely effective with ineffective/insuffficient evidence for other indications

Question 24

Aloe Vera

Answer 24

has mannans and anthraquinones that can cause an increase in microcirculation of skin to heal wounds and burns; possibly effective and ineffective to no evidence or efficacy in other conditions

Question 25

Devil’s Claw

Answer 25

glucoiridoids are the active anti-inflammatory ingredient but is said to deactivate in stomach acid; possibly effective for arthritis and insufficient evidence for other indications

Question 26

Ginseng

Answer 26

ginsenosides and panaxosides said to enhance memory, learning, productivity and the immune system and also to reduce blood sugar; possible effective

Question 27

Echinacea

Answer 27

echinacein, cichoric acid and caffein acid recommended for prevention and treatment of common cold, wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent; possible effective and insufficient evidence

Question 28

Valerian

Answer 28

valepotriates recommended for the treatment of nervous tension and panic attacks (i.e. sedative-hypnotic)

Question 29

Allopathic Medicine

Answer 29

drugs used by mainstream medicine; have DIN and have undergone safety regulations

Question 30

Herbal Medicines

Answer 30

plant products sold as medicine and have no DIN

Question 31

Phytopharmaceuticals

Answer 31

drugs obtained from plants that are purified and used at therapeutic dose with scientific evidence

Question 32

Allopathic Pharmaceuticals

Answer 32

full status of a drug and meets all requirements of drugs

Question 33

Food Supplement

Answer 33

any herbal product used at 1/4 of therapeutic dose