Choosing the right over-the-counter (OTC) medication can often feel overwhelming – there are so many options and it’s not always easy to know which one is best for your specific symptoms. At Discount Centre & Pharmacy and Liguanea Lane Pharmacy, we want to help make this process easier for you! Here are our top 10 tips for choosing the right OTC medication:
1. Know what active ingredients are in the product.
This includes understanding how much of each ingredient is included in the drug and if any inactive ingredients could be potentially harmful. That way, you’ll have all the information needed when deciding on which medication to purchase.
2. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new OTC medications.
Especially if it’s for a chronic condition. This way, you can be sure the medication is appropriate for your individual needs and won’t interfere with any other medications you may already be taking.
3. Read the label!
Pay close attention to the directions and warnings written on the packaging so that you know how much of the medication to take, how often, and when not to use it.
4. Consider all of your available options before deciding which OTC medication to buy.
For example, if you have a headache, there are many different types of pain relievers that could potentially help – ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, etc., so make sure you compare each one prior to buying.
5. Look for products that are endorsed or approved by the FDA.
These will have been thoroughly tested and evaluated to ensure safety and effectiveness.
6. Choose OTC Medication that are specially formulated for your specific symptoms.
The more targeted it is, the more likely it will be successful in treating them.
7. Avoid taking multiple medications at once unless explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor or health care provider.
Many OTC drugs contain ingredients that may cause interactions when taken together with other medications, herbs, supplements, etc., so it’s best to stay on the safe side and stick to one product at a time.
8. Be aware of potential side effects associated with the product before taking it.
While most OTC medications are considered safe, some can cause unpleasant or even dangerous reactions for certain individuals, so it’s important to take this into consideration when making your decision.
9. Be mindful of how long a medication is supposed to last and only use it as instructed by the packaging or your doctor/pharmacist.
Too much of any one drug can lead to serious health complications.
10. Remember that not all OTC medications will work for everyone.
If you don’t get relief from an OTC medication after trying it for several days, consider talking to your doctor about prescription options.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re making the right choice when it comes to choosing OTC medication. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Discount Centre & Pharmacy or Liguanea Lane Pharmacy or to your healthcare professional for advice. We’re always here to help!