How to Buy OTC Drugs
OTC is an acronym for over the counter. OTC drugs refer to medications that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. OTC drugs can be widely purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets and mega-stores such as Wal-Mart. Before buying an over the-counter-drug, consider first what symptoms you need it for and whether it may interact with other medications you may be taking. Follow all the dosing instructions on the label carefully.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine what your symptoms are. If you have a sore throat and are coughing and sneezing, you will likely need a cold medicine. If you have back pain, look for a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.
-
2
Find a medication that addresses your symptoms. Read the label, which will indicate what symptoms that particular medication is intended to relieve.
-
3
Read the ingredients on the medication you have chosen. You should not take multiple medications with the same ingredients, as you will risk an overdose. Many drugs have warning labels, for example, "Do not take any other product containing acetaminophen while using this drug."
-
4
Ask the pharmacist for help if you are unsure about whether to try a particular medication. You can also ask the pharmacist about medications that are kept behind the counter (such as some allergy drugs), but can be sold without a prescription.
-
5
Check with your doctor if you are currently on any prescription medications. Some over the counter drugs can interact with prescription medications, as well as herbal supplements.
-
1
