Many people assume that pharmacies are only able to provide services such as filling prescriptions or giving out flu shots. In reality, you can stop by your pharmacy for a variety of things, not least of which is over the counter medicine, also known as OTC medicine.
This is no surprise for chain pharmacies, which are often connected to bigger stores and have more to offer at first glance. However, over the counter medication is typically available at all pharmacies, and it can seriously help you out even without a prescription!
What Are Examples of OTC Medicine?
The most simple definition of over the counter medicine is that it is medication and drugs that can be bought without a required prescription. This was decided upon by the Food and Drug Administration, who deems whether or not medication is safe enough to sell over the counter without the need for a prescription from a doctor.
You’ve most likely run into the store and bought over the counter medication without even realizing it! Here are some of the general conditions that over the counter medication provides:
- Pain relief. These drugs can improve overall body aches, headaches, cramps, and soreness These are the most common examples, including Tylenol, Advil, and Motrin,
- Cold or flu symptom treatment, from decongestants to unblock your nose to an expectorant that can clear the airway.
- Cough suppressants. These OTC medications help clear away a prolonged cough.
- Allergy relief and antihistamines. These can help with seasonal allergies or prolonged ones.
- Heartburn. While most heart medications will require intervention from a doctor, issues like heartburn can be treated with over the counter medicine.
- Diarrhea and constipation. Pharmacies usually stock plenty of over the counter medication to relieve both constipation and diarrhea.
Over the counter medication is reliably versatile and covers a wide variety of issues. You can Google the best OTC medicine for a minor health issue or injury, but you can also ask the pharmacist upon your arrival which one would be best for you. Now that we’ve explained some of the essential examples of over the counter medication, it’s important to also be aware of the risks.
The Risks of OTC Medication
Since over the counter medication is widely available, even to the point of being bought online from good websites like https://www.canadadrugsdirect.com/, it may be easy to assume that it has no risks. While it may not be as risky as, for example, prescription drugs, there are still certain things you need to be aware of.
For example, the dosage and make-up of the drugs should always be checked before use. You may have an allergy or condition that prevents you from using certain over the counter medication. A good example is how somebody with high blood pressure cannot take certain decongestants, or how pregnant women may not be able to take some general medication.
Finally, over the counter medication is still medication! There is the possibility that it could interact badly with other certain medications, supplements, or drinks that you are ingesting. That’s why if you have any questions at all, don’t be afraid to do your research and ask the pharmacist.
OTC Medication Makes Life Easier!
Now that you know more about the uses and risks of over the counter medication, you can use it when you need it without fear! You’d be surprised by the wide variety of OTC medication that is offered in pharmacies both physical and online. Whatever your mild health issue is, it is highly likely that it can be solved by OTC medication! Don’t be afraid to utilize it to your benefit.
