over the counter drugs Flashcards
over the counter drugs
nonprescription drugs used for short term treatment of common minor illnesses.
how many OTC drugs are available
300,000
OTC drugs are regulated by
health canada’s food and drug regulations
how many canadians use OTC drugs
80%
plain language labelling requires
purpose and uses, storage info, dose instructions, inactive ingredients, warnings and adverse effects, when not to use, when to contact doctor, DIN and exp date
process of reclassification
submit a switch application to NDSAC
process of reclassification requires review of
clinical trial results and safety data submitted to health canada
ex of some reclassified OTC drugs: analgesics
acetaminophen, codeine 8 mg, caffeine (tylenol NO1), ibuprofen, naproxen sodium
ex of reclassified OTC drugs: histamine blockers
cetrizine (reactine), diphenhydramine hcl (benadryl), famotidine (pepsid)
ex of reclassified smoking deterrents
nicotine gum (Nicorette), nicotine transdermal patch (Nicoderm)
ex of reclassified topical meds
clotrimazole (canesten), miconazole nitrate (micazole), minoxidil (minox)
advantages of OTCs
- convenience
- decreased health care costs when drug is paid out of pocket
disadvantages of OTCs
- can postpone treatment of serious disorders
- may delay treatment of serious disorders
- can relieve symptoms but not the cause
potential hazards of OTCs
toxicity, interactions with prescription meds, misuse
what is the daily max of acetaminophen
4000 mg. too much can cause hepatic toxicity
use of natural health products
- boost the immune system
- therapeutic agents for treatment and prevention of disease
- adjunct therapy to support conventional pharmaceutical therapies