What are OTCs (Over-the-counter treatments)? Tips for using OTCs. Essential OTCs that you must have

Over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) have earned phenomenal revenues for pharmaceutical medicines manufacturers worldwide. OTCs are among the highest-selling drugs globally and will be found at almost every pharmacy store, gas station, and supermarket.

In this blog, we will walk you through what over-the-counter medicines are, tips for using them, and the essential OTCs you must have.

What are over-the-counter medicines (OTCs)?

OTCs are a non-prescription medicine you can buy at any pharmacy store, supermarket, or gas station without a prescription. E.g, Crocin, Combiflame, Metacin, D-Cold, Iodex, and Moov.

OTCs are generally safe when consumed correctly. You can read the leaflet to ensure it is safe for you or speak with a medical professional if you have any questions about over-the-counter medicines.

OTCs are manufactured with active & inactive ingredients composition. Active Ingredients (APIs) are the primary ingredients that execute the main functions of a drug. Due to this, you may find numerous medications with the same APIs that you can choose from for each symptom you have.

Please ensure you consume OTCs within a limit and will not overdose. On the other hand, some inactive ingredients contain cold caffeine in cold medication, which makes the drug more efficient.

Common Applications of OTCs

OTCs have several applications to cure numerous symptoms. However, the following are the common applications of over-the-counter medicines (OTCs):

  • Cold & Flu Symptoms
  • Coughs & Sore Throats
  • Fever, Hay Fever, and Seasonal Allergies
  • Aches & Pains
  • Digestive Problems

Tips for using over-the-counter Medicines (OTCs) effectively

The foremost thing you must do before consuming OTCs is following the instructions carefully and pay attention to the warnings provided on the packaging.

The reason is that OTCs are easy to obtain and look similar in packaging. Due to this, patients (customers) ignore the instructions & warnings.

You must be aware of the medicines you are going to consume, their side effects, and their dosage.

As mentioned above in the blog, there are several OTCs with the same APIs, and you can choose the best medication that will suit you and cure the symptoms.

Another thing you must consider is choosing the medication with the least amount of heavy ingredients listed in it.

And the next thing you must check is the expiry date of OTCs. The medicines become less effective over time, and it is vital to pay attention to the expiry date to ensure you are consuming the OTCs that fall within the expiry date and are effective.

Apart from the above three points, you must speak to a healthcare provider or medical professional if you fall into any of the following categories:

  • If you are on prescribed medication
  • If you have a chronic or long-term medical condition
  • If you are pregnant
  • If you are not sure about the symptoms
  • If your symptoms worsen/not improving with medication

Essential Over-the-treatment (OTCs) that you must have

Some symptoms & medical conditions are common and often happen with weather changes. Hence, it is necessary to have medications for them in stock in your medical cabinet. You must know which OTCs to get and what advice & OTCs your local pharmacy can offer you.

As qualified healthcare professionals, they will provide you with essential clinical advice and will help you get further assistance if you need it.

The followings are the medicines that you must keep handy and a brief description of what they are used for:

  • Antacid & indigestion treatments for constipation & diarrhea
  • Sunblock after spending time in the sun
  • Basic First Aid items
  • Cold, Seasonal Flu, and Hay Fever Treatments
  • Painkillers for aches and body pain
  • Over-the-counter antibiotics for infections and treating bacteria.

Note: Please consult/speak to a qualified healthcare professional before purchasing any. If you have children, store these OTCs in a secure place.

What if OTCs don’t work?

You will get guidance printed on the medication packaging or a leaflet stating how long your symptoms will last. If they don’t cure or worsen, please consult your pharmacist immediately for further course of action or follow the below options:

  • Visit your family doctor or nearest physician clinic or hospital
  • Call your city ambulance, if symptoms are worsening rapidly

Commonly abused Over-the-counter medicines (OTCs)

Unfortunately, the ease of buying & storing OTC drugs means it’s easier to abuse OTCs than prescription drugs. Legal medicines are among the most abused OTC drugs.

One of the most common reasons for OTC drug abuse is their addictive qualities, either due to their addictive ingredients or their ability to manage chronic ailments using painkillers or sleeping pills.

Medications are prone to become addictive when taken in higher quantities than the prescribed dosage or continue consuming them even after the cure of symptoms. Please refer to the leaflet or guidance on packaging to check if these effects are likely.

The following are the uses of commonly abused OTC drugs:

  • Chronic or mild pain
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Insomnia or other sleeping problems

The following are the scenarios when one becomes addicted to a medication:

  • Consuming the drug even though it’s not required
  • Consuming the drug thinking more dosage is needed for the same effect

If you are feeling that you are becoming addicted to your prescribed medication or OTCs, please inform immediately to a healthcare professional or contact the nearest hospital.

Conclusion

After reading the blog, you will have excellent clarity about what OTCs are, tips, essential OTCs, and commonly abused OTCs. OTC drugs vary from prescribed medications, and you can get them from the nearest pharmacy store without professional medical authorization.

OTCs are safe to use and very handy if you follow the instructions and pay attention to the details on the packaging and leaflet. However, if you have questions regarding OTCs consumption, contact us, and our medical professional will contact you.

Pyxus Pharmaceuticals is one of the top Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers in India. If you want a quotation for our OTCs, contact us at +91-9824728969 or email at ahemad@pyxuspharmaceuticals.com. Check out our pharma medicines in our product section.

Prev post
Next post

Tags

Advantages of Biopharmaceuticals over Traditional DrugsBenefits of Choosing Generic MedicinesBenefits of OTC TreatmentsBest Exporter of Indian PharmaceuticalsBest Exporter of Indian Pharmaceuticals to Moroccobest manufacturer for Lebanonbest nutraceuticals for MongoliaBiopharmaceuticalsContract ManufacturersContract Manufacturers for SyriaDebunking Common Misconceptions About Generic MedicinesDifferent Types of Therapeutic TreatmentExploring Pharmaceutical Export Options for South Sudanexporter of Human Normal ImmunoglobulinExporter of Indian Pharmaceuticals to MoroccoGeneric MedicineGeneric MedicinesGeneric Medicines: Facts vs. FictionHuman Normal ImmunoglobulinHuman Normal Immunoglobulin BPHuman Normal Immunoglobulin for MoroccoIndian Pharmaceutical CompanyIndian Pharmaceutical Company For VenezuelaIndian Pharma CompaniesIndian Pharma Companies to ConsiderInjection Manufacturing CompanyInjection Manufacturing Company For MoroccoMisconceptions About Generic MedicinesOTC medicine manufacturer from IndiaOTC Treatmentover-the-counter (OTC) pain relieversOver-the-Counter Pain Relief Medicationsover the counter medicinesPharmaceutical CompanyPharmaceutical Contract ManufacturersPharmaceutical Contract Manufacturers For LibyaPharmaceutical Contract Manufacturers for SyriaPharmaceutical Export OptionsPharmaceutical ManufacturerPharma drugsPremium Injection Manufacturing CompanyRight OTC Treatment for Your SymptomsTherapeutic Drug MonitoringTherapeutic Treatmenttips for over the counter medicines