Use Over-the-Counter Drugs Wisely

According to the United Health Foundation, 178,000 hospitalizations a year are caused by misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Antacids can neutralize some medications, rendering them inactive. Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs will prolong bleeding time and can cause internal bleeding or liver damage if taken too long or in quantities larger than recommended on the label.

More and more prescription drugs are now available as OTCs. That doesn't mean they are any less risky to take than they were when prescribed. It does mean you need to educate yourself to use them properly if you choose to use them.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

• Only use the drug for its intended purposes - do your research and understand what you are taking and why.
• Use the drug properly - follow directions that accompany the product regarding dose and frequency.
• Take only one drug with the same active ingredient at a time.
• If you have questions or doubts about taking the drug, speak to your pharmacist.
• Check with your pharmacist to be sure the drug will not interact with other medications you take.
• If you experience side effects, contact your health care provider.
• Be sure to include all OTCs you take when you tell health care providers the medications you take.

Medications are medications. Don't be lulled into thinking that because you can buy them without a prescription they can be used casually.