After finishing this chapter, students should be able to understand:
A drug can be sold OTC only if it can be used safely when following the label directions.
The FDA began reviewing OTC ingredients for safety and efficacy in 1972, with the result that most of the various brands of medicines that are sold for a given use contain the same few ingredients.
OTC stimulants are based on caffeine.
OTC sleep aids are based on antihistamines.
The main ingredient in OTC weight-control products was phenylpropanolamine (PPA), but it was removed from sale in 2000.
Aspirin has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are related analgesics.
Cold remedies usually contain an antihistamine, an analgesic, and a decongestant.
An informed consumer can understand a large fraction of OTC medicines by knowing only seven ingredients.
