Poisoning and Misuse/Abuse of OTCs

Question 1

What is the definition of poisoning?

Answer 1

use of a substance harmful to the body

Question 2

What are routes of poisoning

Answer 2

oral, inhaled, injected or topical

Question 3

What is the definition of misuse

Answer 3

medication used for medical purposes but used incorrectly

Question 4

What are the 3 types of medication misuse

Answer 4

1. taking a dose of taking differently other than as directed
2. taking the medication for an effect it can cause
3. mixing OTC meds together to create new products

Question 5

What is the definition of abuse

Answer 5

use of OTC medications for non-medical purposes

Question 6

What is the phone number for poison control centers

Answer 6

1-800-222-1222

Question 7

When should 911 be called or referred to hospital ED?

Answer 7

-person is lethargic or comatose or seizures or hallucinations
-decreased respiratory frequency or difficulty breathing
-abnormal BP or pulse
-has taken medications that may cause rapid decrease in consciousness or seizures

Question 8

What OTC treatment is available for poisoning

Answer 8

Activated charcoal: tasteless, fine-grit, black, insoluble powder, large surface are

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action of activated charcoal

Answer 9

adsorb substances
**not all of them

Question 10

What is the dosing of activated charcoal

Answer 10

1 gram/kg body weight
*round to nearest half or whole tube
**give 1 dose at home ONLY

Question 11

What are motivations for OTC drug abuse

Answer 11

-recreational use to get high
-self-medication for pain
-experiment
-relax/reduce stress
-peer pressure and social influence
-social media influences
-misconceptions about OTC drug safety

Question 12

What are health risks and consequences of OTC abuse

Answer 12

-physical health effects
-psychological and behavioral effects
-overdose and emergency situations
-long-term health implications

Question 13

What are the signs and symptoms of addiction

Answer 13

-using despite knowing consequences
-spending excessive time or money to get drugs
-negative performance at school/work
-changes in interests/hobbies
-visits to interent sites on how to abuse
-disrupted sleeping/eating in the trash
-friend changes
-changes in appearance/hygeine
-withdrawal from family/friends
-excessive mood swing

Question 14

What are OTC withdrawal symptoms

Answer 14

• confusion
  -irritability
  -agitation
  -anxiety
  -mood changes

Question 15

What is the federal purchasing limit on PSE

Answer 15

3.6 grams a day
9 grams a month
7.5 grams a month via mail

Question 16

In terms of boxes of PSE, how many can you buy

Answer 16

3 x 48 count boxes in a day
max of 6 boxes in a month

Question 17

what is the pharmacist role when it comes to OTC misuse and abuse

Answer 17

-store browsing and purchasing vigilance
-offer consultations
-keep log books
-place high abuse OTC behind the pharmacy counter