Back What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications? Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. 1. How are prescription drugs different from OTC ones? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Prescription drugs require a doctor or other health care provider to monitor their effects. A. They contain higher amounts of active ingredientsB. They don't contain dyes or preservativesC. They're unsafe for use without medical supervisionD. They can be toxic 2. You should follow certain precautions when you self-treat with OTCs. What should you do? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A. Diagnose your health problem carefullyB. Read the label carefully and follow dosage instructionsC. Follow any label warningsD. All of the above 3. Aspirin can cause problems with which of these conditions? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Aspirin and other salicylates can bring on severe asthmatic attacks in sensitive people. People with nasal polyps also may experience breathing problems. Others at risk are those who have high blood pressure. Children and teens shouldn't be given aspirin because of its link to Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal illness. A. AsthmaB. BronchitisC. SinusitisD. Low blood pressure 4. People allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to which other OTC(s)? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Allergic reactions may include a rash, itching, and breathing difficulties. A. NaproxenB. KetoprofenC. IbuprofenD. All of the above 5. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safely for how long before seeing a doctor for a diagnosis? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Keep track of how many consecutive days you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, the FDA says. If you're still having problems after seven to 10 days, see your doctor. A. 1 to 3 daysB. 7 to 10 daysC. 3 to 5 daysD. 30 days 6. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause gastric distress, but an overdose of as little as 4 to 8 grams can lead to irreversible liver disease. Who is most at risk? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If you take more than an occasional dose of acetaminophen, don't drink alcohol. Overdoses of acetaminophen alone are toxic to the liver. Alcohol in combination with recommended dosages of acetaminophen may be toxic to the liver. A. People who drink alcoholB. Anyone fastingC. SmokersD. A and C 7. Antacids often are taken for digestive problems. What is the greatest danger? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Antacids can increase or decrease the rate and/or extent of absorption of other medications. Another danger with taking antacids for extended periods without a diagnosis is that they may mask a more serious problem, such as an ulcer or esophageal cancer. A. People tend to overdoseB. People take them for longer than recommendedC. Antacids affect the absorption of other drugsD. They can have a rebound effect 8. Older adults are especially vulnerable to the side effects of which of these OTCs? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Antihistamines block histamine receptor sites, and older adults may experience pronounced side effects, such as confusion, a dry mouth, lightheadedness, and problems with urination, the FDA says. A side effect of antihistamines is the blocking of a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Older adults produce less acetylcholine and can't use it as well. A. LaxativesB. Pain relieversC. AntihistaminesD. Decongestants 9. Many OTC medications for children come in liquid form. What is the best way to measure the dosage? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Kitchen utensils are inaccurate for measuring medication dosages. Medication or dosing spoons may resemble wide straws with a spoon at one end. They are designed for children who can drink from a cup but are likely to spill. Measure the dose at eye level. A. Use a kitchen tablespoonB. Use a kitchen teaspoonC. Use a special dosing spoonD. Any of the above 10. What should you look for when you select an OTC drug? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Multi-symptom medications expose you to drugs you don't need, which increases the risk of side effects. A. One that helps a wide range of symptomsB. One that helps your primary symptomC. One that's a time-release formulaD. One that doesn't have red dye Your score was: