key factors to consider when selecting an OTC drug
- proven efficacy and known toxicity
- simple formulations and ingredients
- brand vs generic
- appropriate and effective dose
what is the sale of OTC drugs controlled by
a section of the Food and Drugs Act
Internal analgesics
acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, NSAIDs. provide relief from pain
Acetylsalic acid affects
inhibits pain, fever and inflammation. prevent stroke and heart attack
Acetylsalicylic acid mechanism of action
- inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are endogenous substances that enhance the meditation of pain and fever and have a role in inflammation
- inhibits platelet aggregation and, hence, clot formation
acetylsalicylic acid adverse effects
- gastric irritation: breaks down the mucosal protective barrier in stomach (addressed by adding an antacid, but more effective to take seprately)
- tinnitus
- allergic reaction
- reye’s syndrome when given during fever
Acetaminophen mechanism of action
causes inhibition of prostaglandin synthetases, which are enzymes responsible for the formation of prostaglandins
acetaminophen therapeutic uses
drug of choice in cases where ASA causes adverse effects. not associated with reyes syndrome (tylenol)
NSAIDs
anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen and naproxen)
NSAIDs therapeutic effects
affective against analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. most effective OTC anti-infalmmatory. great for menstrual pain and dental pain
NSAIDs adverse effects
gastric irritation, skin rash, dizziness, blurred vision, fluid retention
Antihistamines use
treatment of allergy symptoms such as hay fever
Antihistamines mechanism of action
blocking histamine receptors, inhibiting binding of histamine to its receptor, decreasing allergy symptoms
first vs. second generation antihistamines
first: all cause sedation and drowsiness
second: less sedating and the preferred agents
Drugs for excess stomach acid
designed to either neutralize stomach avid or decrease stomach acid secretion. antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors
antacids objective
to gold the pH of gastric contents atr about four.
how do antacids neutralize gastric acid
by an acid-base chemical reaction
systemic vs non-systemic antacids
systemic: orally and absorbed by GI tract
non-systemic: not absorbed and don’t cause systemic alkalosis
