Tag: Over the counter

In 2021, approximately 64.8% of adults in the United States reported taking at least one prescription medication within the past year [1.3.5]. But **what are prescribed only drugs?** They are powerful medicines that legally require a medical prescription to be dispensed [1.2.5].

According to a 2017 study cited by the American Academy of Family Physicians, over 80% of adults report using over-the-counter medications to treat minor ailments. Knowing which drugs are over-the-counter is essential for effective and safe self-treatment, but it is equally important to understand their proper usage.

The average adult gets two to three colds per year, making it the most frequent infectious disease in humans [1.4.5, 1.4.6]. While there's no cure, many wonder, is there anything a doctor can prescribe for a cold to manage debilitating symptoms?

Over 20% of adults in the United States use over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, but the active ingredients often overlap. It is generally not recommended to take diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate together, as both are sedating antihistamines and combining them significantly increases the risk of severe side effects.

When pain strikes, a primary concern is how quickly relief can be achieved, with some formulations providing relief in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Understanding what is the best painkiller for fast relief involves evaluating various factors, including the type of pain and potential health risks associated with different medications.

In 2023, over 24% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain, making the quest for relief a common concern [1.8.1]. When asking, 'What is the strongest muscle pain reliever?', it's crucial to understand the different medication classes available, from over-the-counter aids to powerful prescription drugs.

According to major drug interaction databases, there were no known direct interactions found between acetaminophen and Emergen-C. For most individuals, taking acetaminophen and Emergen-C together is generally considered safe, provided that both are used as directed.

In one study, pharmacist interventions on prescribing errors resulted in a median of 39 intercepted errors per 1,000 patient days [1.8.2]. Knowing when you must refer customers to the pharmacist is a critical skill for any pharmacy team member to ensure patient safety and proper medication use.

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy decongestants are a well-documented cause of drug-induced insomnia, keeping many people awake when they need rest the most. While designed to clear a stuffy nose, these stimulant medications can increase heart rate and alertness, directly interfering with a good night's sleep.

Over 1 billion colds occur in the U.S. annually, with a runny nose and headache being two of the most common symptoms. Understanding what to take for a runny nose and headache is key to finding relief by selecting the right active ingredients to target your specific discomfort.