Thursday, March 11, 2010

An Overview On OTC Medications

OTC medications or over-the-counter drugs are medicines that you can buy without a prescription. But like prescription drugs, OTC medicines can also cause unwanted side effects. Read the label before using OTC medications. Here's what to look for:

1. Active ingredient. The active ingredient is the chemical compound in the medicine that works to relieve your symptoms.

2. Uses. This section lists the symptoms the medicine is meant to treat. Uses are sometimes called "indications."

3. Warnings. This safety information will tell you what other medicines, foods, or activities to avoid while taking this medicine. Side effects are also listed.

4. Directions. This section tells you about dosage information and how to take the drug.

5. Other information. Any other important information, such as how to store the medicine, will be listed here.

6. Inactive ingredients. An inactive ingredient is a chemical compound in the medicine that isn't meant to treat a symptom. This section is especially important for people who know they have allergies to food coloring or other chemicals.

7. Contact information. A toll-free number for the manufacturer is provided in case you have any question about the medicine.

By: Kristine Gonzaga

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