Over the Counter medications DEFINITION OF TERMS ANALGESIC
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Over the Counter medications
DEFINITION OF TERMS �ANALGESIC: pain relieving medication �ANTIPYRETIC: fever reducing medication �ANTI INFLAMMATORY: reduces swelling and inflammation �ANTIHISTAMINE: prevents histamine release and dries up secretions like runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes; helps in allergic reactions
TERMS (cont) �DECONGESTANT: reduces swelling in nasal passages to alleviate stuffiness & congestion �COUGH SUPPRESSANT: cough medicine that is supposed to quiet or suppress coughs �MUCOLYTIC: cough medicine that breaks up and loosens mucus or phlegm �NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; these are medications that are not steroids (prednisone-like) but they reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries or dx �NON-NARCOTIC: pain relievers that are not in the opium family; don’t need prescription
OTC medication ACETAMINOPHEN � Brand name : TYLENOL � Antipyretic � Analgesic � Take only as directed on label paying close attention to not exceeding dose for your age or weight � Read other labels carefully as other OTC meds may contain acetaminophen � Should not use by anyone with liver disease (or in combination with alcohol) IBUPROFEN � Brand names: Motrin, Advil, Nuprin � Antipyretic � Analgesic � NSAID (so it’s antiinflammatory) � Take as directed on bottle or by your doctor � Take with FOOD; can increase risk for bleeding b/c of antiplatelet effect
ASPIRIN �BRAND NAMES: Ecotrin, Bayer, Anacin, Bufferin, etc) �Aspirin and all aspirin products should be avoided by children and adolescents ESPECIALLY WITH VIRAL ILLNESSES unless instructed by your doctor for certain conditions �IT HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH “REYES SYNDROME” �Read all labels of OTC medication to see if contain aspirin products (salicylate, acetylsalicylate, �Common medications that contain aspirin: Alka-
REYE SYNDROME � Reye Syndrome can follow a viral illness about 1 -2 weeks later � Can affect all organs but mostly liver & brain � Cause unknown � Linked to aspirin use for viral illnesses in kids & teens � Avoid aspirin under 19 unless under Dr advice � Symptoms: persistent or continuous vomiting, signs of brain dysfunction: drowsy, listless � Progresses to personality changes, irritability, aggressive behavior…. � May progress to loss of consciousness and seizures � Need emergency medical treatment!
