Upstream Health Solutions

There are a wide array of medications available without a prescription at any drugstore. You can find products claiming to effectively and safely relieve your symptoms for everything from runny noses to upset stomachs. Non-prescription medications can effectively treat many symptoms, but just because a medication is available without a prescription, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe. Even very common and well known drugs like Tylenol can cause severe consequences if the maximum dosage is exceeded. Because of this, it’s vitally important to choose non-prescription medications carefully.

Here is some advice to use when choosing non-prescription medications.

Reading and understanding the labels of medications is the first step in using them safely. The number of people who fail to fully understand or even read prescription drug labels is alarming. Medication labels usually deliver their information in a standardized format. The following explanations will help you understand what all of this information means.

How to Read the Label When Selecting a Safe Non-prescription Medication:

Active Ingredient — When reading the label on a medication, the first thing you will see is the active ingredient list, which tells you the effective elements of the medication’s formula. The amount of each active ingredient per tablet or capsule will also be listed. There may be two or more active ingredients in any given medication. Before using any medication you must check that the active ingredient is not one to which you have had any prior allergic reaction. Your pharmacist can give you further information on the active ingredient if you have any questions.

Usage — The second heading on the label is usually the list of uses. The various conditions for which the medication is indicated should be listed on the label. This is how you determine if the medication is proper for your particular symptoms. If your symptoms aren’t on the list of official indications for the medication, then don’t use it.

Warnings — The section titled warnings should always be read carefully and followed. This is where you will find information about possible interactions with other medications and foods. Tylenol, for example, warns against consuming more than three glasses of alcohol per day. There will also be instructions indicating whether the medication is safe for pregnant women and children. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions between your prescription and non-prescription medications. When combining two or more medications, it’s recommended that you contact your doctor first.

Directions — Read the directions for instructions on proper dosage amount and timing. Never exceed the listed dosage limits. Just because a medication is sold non-prescription doesn’t mean that it can’t cause serious complications if used incorrectly. There will be specific safe dosage amounts listed for children. A child under the age of twelve should never be given the full adult dosage of a medication.

Inactive Ingredients — This is the list of components that don’t contribute to the treatment of symptoms. Preservatives, food colorings, and fillers are typical examples. Pay special attention to this section if you have any known allergies or sensitivities to medications or foods.

Other Tips — Another important tip is to make sure you take notice of the expiration date. Circle the expiration date on any medication you buy as a reminder not to keep it beyond the expiration date. If you ever have a bad reaction to medication make note of both the brand name and the ingredients, both active and inactive. Be sure to inform both your doctor and pharmacist and retain a written record for yourself.

You will be able to make safe and informed decisions about non-prescription medications once you have learned to read and understand their labels. Always read the fine print; your health depends on it.