Over-The-Counter Drugs Are Safe and Effective When the Instructions on the Label Are Followed

 

Over-the-counter drugs (also known as non-prescription drugs) are drugs that one can buy without a prescription. These drugs are widely used to treat conditions that do not require direct consultation. Moreover, over-the-counter drugs are effective and safe when a consumer follows the instructions on the label or is provided by a doctor. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States considers when a specific drug is safe and effective enough to be sold over-the-counter. Over-the-counter drugs are widely used to treat symptoms of cold and flu worldwide. 

Several pharmaceutical manufacturers are focused on converting Rx (prescription drugs) to OTC (over-the-counter drugs) to meet the increasing demand. In the first half of 2019, Tachipirina was the best-selling non-prescription medication (over-the-counter drug) in Italian pharmacies. Rx to OTC switch is the transfer of proven prescription drugs to nonprescription. In February 2020, the FDA converted three prescription drugs to over-the-counter drugs, increasing access to the medicines. Moreover, many people worldwide prefer OTC drugs to treat minor illnesses before seeking professional care.

Over the years, the annual sales value of over-the-counter drugs in the United Kingdom has grown nearly year-on-year. Over-the-counter drugs are available for many medical conditions associated with the eyes, skin, and allergic reactions to the animals. OTC drug usage is attributable to the savings on the drug cost and cost incurred on the clinical visit. Moreover, these drugs are checked on the assurance of the product safety, efficacy, and developed to strict standards for quality, purity, and potency.

Popular examples include pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough suppressants such as antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin 24H) and dextromethorphan (Robitussin). Over-the-counter drugs are safe to use, consumer can follow the instruction mentioned on the label. These drugs are available at gas stations, general stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies across several countries.