Page 13 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

31/10/2025, 23:40 Community Pharmacy Practice - Course Materials

OTC product labels

Name of active ingredient(s),
Intended use of the product,
Warnings or precautions,
Potential adverse effects and/or potential drug interactions,
Directions for use (dose and frequency of administration based on age or weight),
Proper storage information,
list of inactive ingredients.
All products also have an expiration date.

All OTC drugs contain the following warnings:

1. Do not use the product if the individual is allergic to the ingredient(s) in the product;
2. Do not use the product if a woman is pregnant without the advice of her physician;
3. Do not use the product if a woman is breast feeding without the advice of her physician; and
4. keep the product and all medication out of the reach of children.

OTC drugs that have a potential for abuse

Codeine cough syrups and pseudoephedrine
Laxatives
Loperamide
Non prescription antihistamines; dimenhydrinate

Products restricted to sale by a pharmacist may be considered to be behind-the-counter (BTC)
drugs

OTC and Special populations

Pediatrics (FDA not less < 2)
Pregnancy and lactation (categories A, B, C,D, X)
Geriatrics (> 65) why potential problems with OTC drugs??

Altered PK and PD profile

10