Non-prescription Drugs Flashcards
Over-the-Counter Drugs
sold without a prescription on the premise that general public is able to diagnose mild symptoms; controlled under the FDA
Grandparenting
new regulations don’t apply to products that have already been on the market
Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)
relives pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandins; stroke and heart attack prevention by inhibiting platelet aggregation (clot formation)
ASA adverse effects
tinnitus (ear ringing), Reyes syndrome (affects CNS of children), allergic reactions, gastric irritation
Acetaminiphen (tylenol)
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
NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen)
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
Anti-histamines
block histamine receptors to reduce allergy symptoms; those that don’t cause sedation are preferred
Systemic Antacid
given orally and absorbed by GI tract but can cause systemic alkalosis
Non-systemic Antacid
given orally but not absorbed by GI tract so don’t cause systemic alkalosis, has slow onset of action and can cause constipation
H2 Agonist
block H2 receptors to reduce acid secretion and are more effective than antacids but can cause skin rashes, headaches and confusion
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPIs)
permanently bind to proton pump and inhibit 90% of acid secretion; most effective for acid secretion suppression and adverse effect frequency is low
Decongestant
cause constriction of blood vessels to prevent fluid accumulation and congestion, but can cause loral irritation, rebound congestion and potential alteration of bp
Centrally-acting Cough Suppressant (dextramethorphan HBR)
block the processing of information in the medulla to reduce the frequency of the cough; most are sold with an ineffective dose
Peripherally-acting Cough Suppressant
block the nerve endings in throat and bronchioles to inhibit the stimulus to cough; efficacy is questionable
Expectorants
reduces viscosity of phlegm by increasing secretions; efficacy is questionable
Sleeping Aids
antihistamine as sedative and analgesic used to help an individual fall asleep or reduce sleeplessness; not good at treating insomnia
Stimulant Laxatives (bisacodyl)
increase motor activity of intestine, and increase secretion of mucus, water and electrolytes into the intestine
Bulk-forming Laxatives
swell in water to form viscous gel that maintains soft-stool and can indirectly stimulate peristalsis; full effect occurs 2-3 days later
Absorbant Antidiarrheal (pepto-bisomol)
add bulk to GI tract and absorb toxins to control acute symptoms of diarrhea
Loperamide (antidiarrheal)
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
Hydrocortisone
topical anti-inflammatory used for poison ivy, insect bites etc.
Sunscreen
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
St. John’s Wort
contains hyperin and hyperforin that can treat mild to moderate depression; likely effective with ineffective/insuffficient evidence for other indications
Aloe Vera
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
