Drug abuse

Question 1

Opioid analgesics

Answer 1

Codeine
Dihydrocodeine

E.g. Solpadeine max, nurofen plus, syndol, paramol

Question 2

Laxatives

Answer 2

Senna, bisacodyl

E.g. Dulcolax tablets/suppositories, senokot

Question 3

Caffeine

Answer 3

Pro-plus, panadol extra

Question 4

Antihistamines

Answer 4

Chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, promethazine

E.g. Piriton, sominex, nytol

Question 5

Cough/cold preparations

Answer 5

Dextromethorphan, pholcodine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine

E.g. Sudafed decongestant, day nurse, benylin dry coughs (original), do-do chesteze

Question 6

Red flags for OTC abuse

Answer 6

• Requesting large quantities
• Excessive frequent requests
• Theft from the pharmacy to avoid suspicions
• Impatient/angered quickly
• Potential signs and symptoms of abuse i.e. underweight and requesting laxatives