3. OTC MEDICATIONS
Drugs that can be brought without a
doctor’s prescription.
Don’t assume that they are safe.
Carefully read labels and inserts.
Be aware of drug interactions.
7. ANTACIDS
Taken to relieve heartburn or
indigestion caused by stomach acid.
Relatively safe for occasional use, but
may cause problems if taken regularly.
There are several kinds of antacids.
9. ANTACIDS
PRECAUTIONS
Try to eliminate the cause instead of
taking antacids regularly.
Antacids may interfere with the
absorption and action of some drugs,
such as digitalis, antibiotics and
anticoagulants.
10. ANTIDIARRHEALS
Two types: Those that thicken the stool and
those that slow intestinal spasms.
Thickening Mixtures
(Kaopectate)
(Bismuth Subsalicylate
Pepto-Bismol)
12. ANTIDIARRHEALS
PRECAUTIONS
Diarrhea often helps rid the body of
infection.
Take preparation until the stool
thickens then stop to avoid
constipation.
Replace body fluids.
13. NAUSEA AND
VOMITING
Best to determine and treat underlying
cause
Antihistamine Antiemetics
– Meclazine (Antivert)
– Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
– Promethazine (Phenergan)
– Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
– Scopolamine (Transderm -Scop)
– Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
14. COLD REMEDIES
If you take drugs for a cold
you’ll probably get better in
about a week. If you take
nothing you’ll get better in
about seven days.
15. COLD REMEDIES
REST AND LIQUIDS
ANTIBIOTICS WILL NOT HELP
Medications help relieve the SYMPTOMS
16. COLD REMEDIES
ANTIHISTAMINES
Dries mucous membranes
Single Ingredient Antihistamines
– Cholrpheniramine (Chlor-Trimiton)
– Diphenhydramine (Benadrly)
Combinations (Antihistamine
plus a Decongestant)
– Dristan, Triaminic
18. COLD REMEDIES
ANTIHISTAMINE
PRECAUTIONS
Drink extra fluids when taking cold
medicines
Antihistamines may interact with other
medications such as antidepressants,
sedatives, and tranquilizers.
19. DECONGESTANTS
Sympathomimetic amines
which reduce the flow of
blood to the nasal mucosa
Sprays and Drops
(phenylephrine, Neo-
Synephrine) (Oxymethazoline
HCL - Afrin, Duration)
Oral Decongestants
(pseudoephedrine, Sudafed)
20. COLD REMEDIES
DECONGESTANT PRECAUTIONS
Can interact with other drugs
If used for too long a time they can cause a
rebound effect
SIDE EFFECTS
– Tachycardia, Headache, Dizziness
– USE WITH CAUTION IN PATIENTS WITH
SEVERE HYPERTENSION AND ISCHEMIC
HEART DISEASE
21. COUGHING
Protective Reflex action of the
respiratory system to dislodge and eject
foreign materials and excess mucus
from the respiratory tract.
Congested Productive Cough
Congested Nonproductive Cough
Dry Nonproductive cough
Antitussive
22. COLD REMEDIES
COUGH PREPARATIONS
WATER AND FRUIT
DEMULCENTS
– Honey, Hard Candy, Cough Drops
CODEINE
– Depresses the cough reflex
– Used for symptomatic relief of dry
nonproductive cough
– Codeine Tablets, Robitussin AC and Codiene
Elixir
23. COLD REMEDIES
COUGH PREPARATIONS
DEXTROMETHORPHAN
– Nonnarcotic equivalent to Codeine
– Robitussin DM
GUAIFENESIN
– Expectorant used in both productive and
nonproductive cough
– Robitussin, 2G, GG Tussin
24. COLD REMEDIES
COUGH PREPARATIONS
PRECAUTIONS
Can cause problems for people with certain
health problems, such as asthma, heart
disease and high blood pressure
Use with caution in patients with respiratory
problems - Cough suppressants can stifle
breathing
Some preparations contain large amounts of
alcohol; others contain codeine
25. LAXATIVES
Two types of products that ease the
passage and elimination of bowel
movements
Those that speed up the passage of stool by
stimulating the intestines (Correctol, Ex-
Lax, Feen-A-Mint, Biscodyl, Senna Pod)
Bulking Agents are not laxatives, but ease
constipation by increasing the volume of
the stool and making it easier to pass
(Metamucil)
26. FECAL SOFTENERS
Agents Used to maintain a soft stool to
minimize work involved in defecation.
dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Colace)
dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate (Surfak)
Mineral Oil
– Absorption of lipid soluble vitamins may be
affected
– Lipid Pneumonia is a possible side effect
– Oil leak
27. BUROW’S
SOLUTION/DOMEBORO
POWDER
Mild skin irritation from exposure to
soaps, chemicals, diaper rash, acne,
scaly skin, eczema apply PRN
Skin inflammation, insect bites, poison
ivy, or other contact dermatoses,
swelling, athlete's foot
Used in wet dressings and soaks