![]() In large doses, DXM can act as a depressant and sometimes has a hallucinogenic effect, comparable to ketamine or phencyclidine (PCP). While it can be swallowed in its original form, often after being mixed with soda for flavor, it can also be injected. Medications containing DXM often also contain antihistamines or decongestants. Often labeled “extra strength”, it can be found as syrup, gel capsules, and tablets. DXM is found in many medications and is used as a cough suppressant. Two of the most abused OTC drugs are dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) and loperamide. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant commonly found in cold medication, can be used to make methamphetamine and is now kept “behind the counter” but may be purchased without a prescription. These medications are known to cause dizziness and increase the potential for falls. Diphenhydramine is also used in many other medications for allergies, as well as cough and colds. Similar to prescription medications, OTC preparations can cause adverse events, including death.ĭiphenhydramine and doxylamine are used in preparations for sleep. Older adults take an average of four OTC medications and about as many prescription medications, routinely, resulting in about 25% of elder patients on a combination of 10 or more prescription and OTC medications ( Chui, Stone, Martin, Croes, & Thorpe, 2014). It is estimated that there are over 300,000 OTC products available in the United States, with the elderly as their largest consumers. This can include mixing a variety of medications together to achieve a desired effect or taking them in a manner or at a higher dose than indicated on the package. Some of these medications contain ingredients with a potential for misuse when used in a way that is not indicated for the medication or at dosages that are higher than recommended. OTC medications are used to treat a wide range of symptoms and illnesses, including acne, cough, pain, diarrhea, and many others. OTC medications are those that can be purchased directly, without a prescription. Īmy Carney, Kimberly Liang, in Elder Abuse, 2020 Over-the-Counter Medications Some can prevent diseases like tooth decay, cure diseases like athlete's foot, and help manage recurring conditions like vaginal yeast infections or migraines. OTCs often do more than just relieve aches, pains, and itches. OTCs are used to treat an expanding range of conditions, whether these are considered illnesses or deficiencies. OTC medicine consists mainly of vitamins, minerals, herbs, supplements, and certain medications that are safe and effective when patients follow the directions on the label or those given to them by their health-care professional. The term prescription refers to medicines that are safe and effective when used under a doctor's care, whereas nonprescription or OTC drugs are medicines the FDA determines are safe and effective for use without a doctor's prescription. It is the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that determines whether medicines are prescription or nonprescription. Over-the-counter medicine, also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine, refers to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. Yafi, in Effects of Lifestyle on Men's Health, 2019 Scope of OTC ![]()
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