otc medicines that can be abused

Question 1

What are the common opiate-containing products that can be abused?
Answer: Co-codamol, co-dydramol, codeine linctus, and morphine-containing liquids are some examples of opiate-containing products that can be abused.

Question 2

What is the pharmacological action of opiate-containing products?
Answer: Opiate-containing products act as agonists at opiate receptors, producing analgesic and anti-tussive effects. They also affect the gastrointestinal tract at normal doses.

Question 3

What are the licensed OTC indications of opiate-containing products?
Answer: Opiate-containing products are licensed for the relief of pain, cough, and diarrhea.

Question 4

What are the reasons for abusing opiate-containing products?
Answer: Some people abuse opiate-containing products for their psychotropic effects, to self-detox from illicit opiates, or to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Others may become dependent on the OTC product.

Question 5

What is loperamide and why is it dangerous at high doses?
Answer: Loperamide is an opiate-containing product that acts on the gastrointestinal tract at normal doses. However, it can produce toxic metabolites at high doses, which can be dangerous.

Question 6

What are the common laxatives that can be abused?
Answer: Senna and bisacodyl are commonly abused laxatives.

Question 7

What is the pharmacological action of stimulant laxatives?
Answer: Stimulant laxatives increase gut motility and are commonly abused to relieve constipation.

Question 8

What are the licensed OTC indications of laxatives?
Answer: Laxatives are licensed for the relief of constipation.

Question 9

What are the reasons for abusing laxatives?
Answer: Some people abuse laxatives to change their body image and attempt weight loss. Others may have eating disorders that contribute to the abuse.

Question 10

What are the common sympathomimetic-containing products that can be abused?
Answer: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine-containing products such as Sudafed and Nurofen cold and flu are commonly abused sympathomimetics.

Question 11

What are the licensed OTC indications of sympathomimetic-containing products?
Answer: Sympathomimetic-containing products are licensed for their decongestant effect in colds and flu

Question 12

What are the common antihistamines that can be abused?
Answer: Promethazine and diphenhydramine are antihistamines that can be abused.

Question 13

What is the pharmacological action of antihistamines?
Answer: Antihistamines block H1 receptors in the CNS, causing drowsiness and anticholinergic effects.

Question 14

What are the licensed OTC indications of antihistamines?
Answer: Antihistamines are licensed as temporary sleep aids and as part of cold/flu products for their decongestant effect.

Question 15

What are the reasons for abusing antihistamines?
Answer: Some people abuse antihistamines as a sleep aid, leading to dependence and perpetuating use. Promethazine can also produce moderate antipsychotic effects at high doses, which some people may seek to abuse.

Question 16

What are the common cough suppressants that can be abused?
Answer: Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant that can be abused.

Question 17

What is the pharmacological action of dextromethorphan?
Answer: Dextromethorphan acts as a dissociative anesthetic at high doses, affecting the user’s perception of pain, responses to environmental stimuli, and memory.

Question 18

What are the licensed OTC indications of cough suppressants?
Answer: Cough suppressants are licensed for the relief of cough.

Question 19

What are the reasons for abusing cough suppressants?
Answer: Some people abuse cough suppressants to achieve hallucinogenic effects similar to ketamine or PCP. This can lead to side effects such as psychosis, mania, and increased sympathetic drive.

Question 20

What are some of the chemicals used in the clandestine manufacture of illicit drugs?
Answer: Alkalis, solvents, alcohols, and acids are among the chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.

Question 21

What was the chemical used in the bombs used by the 7/7 London attackers?
Answer: Tricycloacetyl peroxide (TCPA) was the chemical used in the bombs used by the 7/7 London attackers. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is one of the ingredients used in the manufacture of this chemical.