When you walk into a pharmacy, the shelves are filled with colourful boxes and bottles of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. From pain relievers and cold remedies to digestive aids and allergy tablets, these products promise quick relief from everyday health problems.
However, before buying any OTC medicine, it’s important to understand how to use them safely and effectively. Making informed choices can protect your health and prevent serious mistakes.
What Are Over-the-Counter Medicines?
Over-the-counter medicines are drugs you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. They are designed to treat common and minor health issues such as:
- Headaches and muscle pain
- Fevers and colds
- Indigestion
- Allergies
Because they’re easily accessible, many people assume that OTC medicines are completely safe. However, this isn’t always true. Although these products are intended for self-care, they still contain active ingredients that can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
For example:
- Ibuprofen: Used to relieve pain and inflammation, but taking it too often can upset the stomach or cause ulcers. Certain cold medicines can raise blood pressure or cause drowsiness.
- Pseudoephedrine (Cold Medicines): Helps relieve nasal congestion, but may raise blood pressure and cause drowsiness or restlessness.
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): Used for pain relief and reducing fever, but taking more than the recommended dose can harm the liver.
That’s why it’s essential to use these medicines carefully and only as directed.
Always Read the Label
Reading the product label is one of the most important steps in protecting your health when using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. These are non-prescription medicines that you can buy without visiting a doctor, which makes reading the label especially important.
Every OTC product—from cough syrup to sunscreen—must follow FDA labelling regulations. This means the information appears in the same order, uses clear language, and follows a consistent format so you can easily find what you need to know.
What’s on the Label?
All OTC medicine labels include detailed usage and safety information to help you choose and use the product correctly.
Each OTC medicine label includes a section called a Medicine Information (drug facts), which provides detailed guidance about the product.
- Active Ingredient(s): The main substance that makes the medicine work, including the amount per dose.
- Purpose: What type of medicine it is (for example, pain reliever, cough suppressant, or antacid).
- Uses: The symptoms or conditions the medicine is meant to treat.
- Warnings: Important safety information—who should not use the medicine, possible side effects, and interactions with other medicines, food, or alcohol.
- Directions: How much to take, how often, and for how long. The directions are usually listed by age group.
- Inactive Ingredients: Substances that don’t affect your body but may be relevant if you have allergies or sensitivities.
- Other Information: Details such as proper storage instructions or special notes from the manufacturer.
Additional Information on the Label
The OTC medicine label also includes other important product details, such as:
- Expiration date: The date after which you should not use the product. If no date is listed, assume it expires three years after purchase.
- Lot or batch code: Helps the manufacturer identify the product if a problem or recall occurs.
- Manufacturer details: The name and address of the company that made, packed, or distributed the product.
- Net quantity: The amount of medicine inside the package.
Why Reading the Label Matters?
The label is your best guide to using medicine safely and correctly. It tells you what the product is supposed to do, who should or shouldn’t take it, and exactly how to use it.
However, even the most accurate labelling can only help if you take the time to read and follow the instructions. Each time you buy or use an OTC medicine, read the label carefully—even if it’s a product you’ve used before.
Manufacturers may change their ingredients, dosage instructions, or warnings, and sometimes products with similar brand names contain different active ingredients. Always look for special flags or banners on the front label that highlight any changes.
If anything is unclear after reading the label, don’t guess—ask your pharmacist, doctor, or another healthcare professional for guidance. It’s always better to check first than risk taking the wrong medicine or dose.
Understanding Your Health Needs
Not every OTC medicine is right for everyone. Age, health conditions, and other medications can all affect how your body reacts.
For instance:
- People with heart disease, diabetes, or asthma should be careful, as some OTC drugs can worsen their condition or interact with prescription medicines.
- If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving medicine to a child, read the warnings closely—some ingredients may not be safe.
If you have any doubts, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional before taking a new medicine.
Ask Your Pharmacist for Advice
Your local pharmacist is one of the best resources for safe OTC medicine use. Pharmacists understand how different drugs work and interact.
If you’re unsure which medicine to buy—or if you already take prescription drugs—ask your pharmacist for guidance. They can:
- Recommend the safest option
- Explain how to take it correctly
- Advise when it’s time to see a doctor instead of self-treating
Be Careful with Self-Medication
Self-medicating may seem convenient for mild symptoms, but it’s important not to overuse OTC drugs.
If your symptoms:
- Don’t improve after a few days, or
- Get worse,…it may be a sign of a more serious condition that needs medical attention.
Taking OTC medicines too often can also cause dependence or tolerance, meaning the drug becomes less effective over time.
Safe Storage and Disposal
Proper storage helps maintain a medicine’s effectiveness and safety.
Here’s how to store and dispose of OTC medicines responsibly:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
- Never share your medicines with others.
- Check the expiration date before use—expired medicines may be less effective or unsafe.
When disposing of old or unused medicines:
- Don’t throw them in the trash or flush them.
- Ask your pharmacy if they have a medicine take-back program or follow your local disposal guidelines.
The Importance of Responsible Use
Over-the-counter medicines can be a convenient and effective way to manage minor health problems—but they must be used responsibly.
By following these simple steps, you can protect your health and prevent medication errors:
✅ Read labels carefully
✅ Understand active ingredients
✅ Consult your pharmacist when in doubt
✅ Follow dosage instructions exactly
✅ Store and dispose of medicines safely
Used wisely, OTC medicines can help you feel better faster—without putting your health at risk.
conclusion
Treat OTC medicines with the same care you would give prescription drugs. Responsible use keeps you safe, informed, and in control of your health.By reading labels carefully and using medicines responsibly, you can protect your health and avoid preventable harm. For more practical tips, see our detailed guide on Common Drug Safety Mistakes That Put Your Healthcare at Risk.
Frequent ask questions
1. What are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines?
OTC medicines are drugs that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. They are used to treat minor and common health issues such as headaches, colds, indigestion, and allergies. Even though they’re easy to get, they still contain active ingredients that can cause side effects if not used correctly.
2. Why is it important to read the label before taking OTC medicine?
Reading the label helps you use medicines safely and effectively. It tells you what symptoms the medicine treats, how much to take, possible side effects, and warnings for certain health conditions. Always check for duplicate ingredients to avoid accidental overdoses.
3. Can OTC medicines interact with prescription drugs?
Yes. Some OTC medicines can interact with prescription medications, which may reduce effectiveness or cause harmful side effects. For example, decongestants can raise blood pressure, and pain relievers like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach when combined with other drugs. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before mixing medicines
4. When should I see a doctor instead of using OTC medicine?
If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, get worse, or return frequently, consult your doctor. You should also seek medical advice before self-medicating if you have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma
5. How should I store and dispose of OTC medicines safely?
Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, moisture, children, and pets. Always check the expiration date before use. For disposal, avoid throwing medicines in the trash or flushing them—use a pharmacy take-back program or follow your local disposal
References
National Library of Medicine. (2024, July 23). Using over-the-counter medicines safely. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000882.htm
Your Health Care Corner. (2025,Augest.01.). Common drug safety mistakes that put your healthcare at risk. Retrieved [Month Day, Year], from https://yourhealthcarecorner.com/common-drug-safety-mistakes-put-your-healthcare-at-risk