OTC Drugs and National Health Products Flashcards
What are OTC drugs used for
Short-term treatment of common minor illnesses
How many OTC drugs are available?
More than 300,000
What percentage of Canadians use OTCs
More than 80%
Who regulates OTC drugs
Health Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations
What are the 3 criteria for OTC status
Indications for use
Safety Profile
Practicality for OTC use
What is required on a plain label for OTC drugs?
Purpose/use
Storage info
Doses
Inactive ingredients
Warnings and adverse effects
Contraindications
When to consult a doctor
Expiry dates and DIN
What are common OTC analgesics?
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen sodium, acetylsalicylic acid
What are common OTC histamine blockers?
Claritin (Loratadine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCL)
Reactine (Cetirizine)
What are common OTC smoking deterrents?
Nicotine gum (Nicorette)
Nicotine transdermal patch (Nicoderm)
What are common OTC topical medication?
Canesten (Clotrimazole)
Monistat (miconazole nitrate)
Minox/rogaine (minoxidil)
What are 2 advantages of OTCs
Convenience of self treatment of minor ailments
Decreased health care costs
What are 2 disadvantages of OTCs
May postpone treatment of serious or life-threatening disorders
May relieve symptoms of a disorder but not the cause
What are 3 potential hazards of OTC drugs
Toxicity
Interactions with prescription meds
Misuse
What are 6 types of Natural Health Products
Dietary supplements
Herbs
Homeopathy
Traditional medicines
Probiotics
Amino acids
What is homeopathy
Microdose of a substance thought to cause disease
What is a possible drug interaction with chamomile?
Increased potential for bleeding with anticoagulants
What is a possible drug interaction with cranberry
Decreased elimination of many drugs excreted by the kidneys
What is a possible drug interaction with echinacea
Possible interference with or counteraction to immunosuppressant drugs and antivirals
What is a possible drug interaction with primrose
Possible interaction with antipsychotic drugs
What is a possible drug interaction with garlic
Possible interference with hypoglycemic therapy and the anticoagulant warfarin sodium
What is a possible drug interaction with gingko biloba
May increase risk of bleeding with use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets
What is a possible drug interaction with ginger root
At high dosages, possible interference with cardiac, antidiabetic, or anticoagulant drugs
What is a possible drug interaction with grapefruit
Decreases metabolism of drugs used for erectile dysfunction, estrogens and some psychotherapeutic drugs
Increases risk of toxicity with immunosuppressants and some psychotherapeutic drugs
Increases intensity and duration of effects of caffiene
What is a possible drug interaction with hawthorn
May lead to toxic levels of cardiac glycosides
What is a possible drug interaction with kava
May increase the effect of barbiturates and alcohol
What is a possible drug interaction with saw palmetto
May change the effects of hormones in oral contraceptive drugs, patches, or hormonal replacement therapies
What is a possible drug interaction with St Johns wort
May lead to serotonin syndrome if used with other serotonergic drugs
What is a possible drug interaction with valerian
Increases CNS depression if used with sedatives
True or False: Natural does not mean safe
True
