Module 05 Flashcards
(253 cards)
2 main categories of drugs in Canada
- prescription drugs
- non-prescription drugs
prescription drugs
drugs restricted to sale by prescription only
non-prescription drugs
drugs that can be sold to the general public without prescription
- includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Over-the-Counter Drugs (OTC)
sold without prescription based on premise that the general public is able to diagnose mild symptoms and to select appropriate agents to treat these symptoms
Guidelines for using an OTC drug
- illness and/or symptoms
- adverse effects
- consultation
illness and/or symptoms
mild
- serious illness should be treated by a physician
adverse effects of OTC drug
if adverse effects occur, stop taking the drug immediately
- use of OTC products can have serious consequences
- can cause toxicities on their own, interactions with other drugs (herbal & prescription drugs)
consultation
if in doubt , your local pharmacist can help choose an appropriate OTC drug
- self-medication with OTC drugs should not exceed 2 weeks without consulting a physician
what controls the sale of OTC drugs?
Food and Drugs Act
The Foot and Drugs Act
controls the safety, efficacy, advertising, and sale of these products
Grandparenting drugs
process where new regulations do not applu to those products already on the market
ex. acetaminophen
- not all OTCs have been subjected to RCTs
concerns with not doing RCTs for drugs that have been on the market for decades
- some of older OTC drugs may not be effective
- some older drugs have serious toxicities
ex. if acetaminophen had to undergo safety testing to become an OTC drug today, it likely wouldn’t pass
4 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
Proven efficacy and known toxicity
best OTC drug for a condition will have proven efficacy for the condition and have known level of toxicity
Simple formulations and ingredients
the best OTC drugs will have the simplest formation (single ingredient)
- formulations that contain multiple drugs have one drug that is effective and others of questionable efficacy
Brand vs. generic
the best OTC drug will not be the brand name
- generics are usually cheaper than the name brand product and are just as effective
Appropriate and effective dose
the best OTC drug will come in the appropriate dosage from (ex. liquid for children)
- will have a therapeutically effective dose of the active ingredient
common OTC drugs
- internal analgesics
- antihistamines
- drugs for excess stomach acid
- decongestants
- cough suppressant
- sleeping aids
- laxatives
- antidiarrheals
- hydrocortisone cream
- sunscreen
internal analgesics function
provide pain relief
3 common OTC internal analgesics
- acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA)
- acetaminophen
- NSAIDs (ex. ibuprofen and naproxen)
acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA)
- generic name for aspirin
- effectively relieves pain, fever (antipyretic), and inflammation
- low doses shown to prevent stroke and heart attack
How does ASA inhibit pain, fever, and inflammation?
ASA inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are endogenous substances that enhance mediation of pain and fever and have a role in inflammation
how does ASA prevent stroke and heart attack?
ASA inhibits platelet aggregation and hence clot formation
Adverse effects of ASA
- gastric irritation
- tinnitus
- Reye’s syndrome
- allergic reactions