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82 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
US Governing Body for OTCs
Food and drug administration (FDA)

Center for Drug Evaluation and research(CDE)

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

CDE: Ensures proper labeling and that benefits outweigh risk
80 therapeutic categories
FTC: Takes action against manufacturers that advertise misleading or unsubstantiated claims
General characteristics of OTC Drugs
Benefits outweigh their risks

Potential for misuse and abuse is low
Consumer can use for self diagnosed conditions
They can be adequately labeled
Health practitioners are not needed for the safe and effective use of the product
Advantages of OTCs
Readily available
Cost (inexpensive)
Decreases healthcare burden
Disadvantages of OTCs
Self diagnosis/treatment
Serious problems not timely addressed
Side effects
Drug interactions
What does your patient take?
A comprehensive medication history needs to include OTC and herbal products
Be cognizant of multi ingredient agents, your pt may not be.
Laxatives
Used for short term treatment or prophylaxis of acute or chronic constipation
Constipation
Infreq of stool
Prolonged and difficult evacuation of stool
Passage of painful and or hard stool
Sensation of incomplete evacuation of stool
Causes of constipation(primary)
Decreased fluid and fiber intake
Inadeq exercise
Poor mastication
Poor dentition
Poor abd musculature
Failure to respond to the urge to defecate
Causes of constipation (secondary)
Bowel disorders
Neuro disorders
Endocrine disorders
Endocrine/metabolic disorders
Drugs
Drugs associated with constipation
Narcs
Aluminum containing products
Calcium
Iron
Anidiarrheals
Anticholinergics
Antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics
Laxatives
Used for short term treatment or prophylaxis of acute or chronic constipation
Constipation
Infreq of stool
Prolonged and difficult evacuation of stool
Passage of painful and or hard stool
Sensation of incomplete evacuation of stool
Causes of constipation(primary)
Decreased fluid and fiber intake
Inadeq exercise
Poor mastication
Poor dentition
Poor abd musculature
Failure to respond to the urge to defecate
Causes of constipation (secondary)
Bowel disorders
Neuro disorders
Endocrine disorders
Endocrine/metabolic disorders
Drugs
Drugs associated with constipation
Narcs
Aluminum containing products
Calcium
Iron
Anidiarrheals
Anticholinergics
Antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiparkinsons
Treatment of constipation
Transient constipation is normal- non drug therapy is usually sufficient

Identify underlying causes and fix it
Six classes do laxatives based on their mechanism of action
Bulk forming
Saline
Stool softeners
Stimulants
Lubricants
Hyperosmotics

Vary in:
Onset of action
Route of administration
Side effects
Bulk forming laxatives(increases stool bulk--does little to help with peristalsis
Psyllium(Metamucil)
Methylcellulose(Citrucel)
Guar gum (Benefiber)
Polycarbophil (Fibercon)
Dietary fiber ( also included)

Consider in pts who are ambulatory and get adequate hydration and want something to maintain regularity.
Must take with plenty of water
Be aware of sugar Nd or sodium intent
SE: bloating, gas, impaction
Saline laxatives
Magnesium hydroxide MOM
mag citrate
Sodium phosphates fleets

Attract/retain water in the intestinal lumen
Useful for patients with good renal function-especially if they are acutely constipated

Onset: 0.5-3h
PR>PO
Don't use Mg containing products if CrCl>30ml/min
Sodium content of some
SE: cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte disturbances
Stool softeners
Docusate sodium colace
Docusate calcium surfak

Onset 24-72h

Facilitates admixture of fat and water to soften stool(does not help with peristalsis)
Consider in patients when straining should be avoided. S/P MI, post partum, rectal surgery
Treatment of constipation
Transient constipation is normal- non drug therapy is usually sufficient

Identify underlying causes and fix it
Six classes do laxatives based on their mechanism of action
Bulk forming
Saline
Stool softeners
Stimulants
Lubricants
Hyperosmotics

Vary in:
Onset of action
Route of administration
Side effects
Bulk forming laxatives(increases stool bulk--does little to help with peristalsis
Psyllium(Metamucil)
Methylcellulose(Citrucel)
Guar gum (Benefiber)
Polycarbophil (Fibercon)
Dietary fiber ( also included)

Consider in pts who are ambulatory and get adequate hydration and want something to maintain regularity.
Must take with plenty of water
Be aware of sugar Nd or sodium intent
SE: bloating, gas, impaction
Saline laxatives
Magnesium hydroxide MOM
mag citrate
Sodium phosphates fleets

Attract/retain water in the intestinal lumen
Useful for patients with good renal function-especially if they are acutely constipated

Onset: 0.5-3h
PR>PO
Don't use Mg containing products if CrCl>30ml/min
Sodium content of some
SE: cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte disturbances
Stool softeners
Docusate sodium colace
Docusate calcium surfak

Onset 24-72h
Tolerance occurs within 3 weeks rendering them ineffective for chronic constipation
Combo with stimulants
SE: rare -diarrhea

Facilitates admixture of fat and water to soften stool(does not help with peristalsis)
Consider in patients when straining should be avoided. S/P MI, post partum, rectal surgery
Stimulants aka irritants
Bisacodyl Dulcolax
Senna Senokot
Caster oil
Cascara
Considered for pts when other agents have failed or if pt is unable to push
Onset: 0.5-6h
Most potent class
SE: severe cramping, N/V
Dependence
Avoid long term use if possible
Lubricant
Mineral oil
Onset 6-8 h
SE aspiration lipoid pneumonia perinatal irritation
Can decrease absorption of vitamins ADEK
Not recommended for the elderly

Contraindicated in bedridden pts

Coats the stool for easier passage - does not help with peristalsis
Hyperosmotics
Sorbitol Rx
Lactulose chronulac Rx
PEG 3350 Miralax go lytely
Glycerin

Good if bedridden or with poor fluid food intake..
Onset 0.5 pr- 48h
SE flatulence, cramps, diarrhea
Pts report bad sweet taste with sorbitol and lactulose
Diarrhea-electrolyte disturbances.

Increase intraluminal pressure and stimulates

Used for pts who are constipated/impacted. Can be useful for chronic constipation( not FDA approved)
Cough and cold
Used to treat symptoms of cough, congestion, and rhinorrhea
Cough and cold (products available)
Decogestants
Antihistamines
Cough Suppressants
Expectorants
APAP or ibuprofen
Available as single or multi-ingredient products
Many names-same products
Often combined with OTC pain reliever
Decongestants
Sympathomimetics that activate alpha-adrenergic receptors-Relieve congestion
Decongestants
Nasal Sprays:
Oxymetazoline(Afrin)
Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
Sodium Chloride (Ayr, Ocean)

Oral Agents:
Pseudoephrine {PSE}-Sudafed
Phenylephrine {PE}
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) removed from the market

Onset: Nasal >PO
Nasal: rebound congestion if >used 3-5 days
Restrictions in availability with PSE
SE: anxiety, increased BP, insomnia
Caution: HTN, heart disease, diabetes, PVD, glaucoma, BPH
MOA: moistens nasal mucosa without CV side effects, no rebound.
Methamphetamine Legislation
PSE products = or > 30mg/dose must be kept behind the pharmacy counter
Restricted to = or > 18 yo
-photo ID
-computerized database-personal info, product info, signature
Purchases limited (3.6 gm/day or 9gm/month)
Antihistamines
H1 receptor antagonists-help with runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing
Sedating(1st generation) Antihistamines
Chlorpheniramine-Chlor Trimeton
Diphenhydramine {DPH} (Benadryl)
Brompheniramine (Dimetapp)
Clemastine (Alavert)
Non-sedating (2nd generation)
Loratadine-Claritin
Cetirizine-Zyrtec
DPH
Commonly found in OTC sleep aids
"PM" agents=DPH
Effective for allergy or allergic-type symptoms
1st gen: rhinorrhea due to common cold AND helps with non-productive cough
2nd gen: chronic urticaria, perennial & seasonal allergic rhinits
SE: anticholinergic, sedation
Caution: glaucoma, sleep apnea, BPH, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
Expectorant
Increases respiratory tract fluid secretions-helps to loosen phlegm and bronchial secretions
Guaifenesin (Robitussin) (Mucinex) best suited for the productive cough
Long-acting product(Mucinex) is dosed twice daily
SE: rare, but large doses have been associated with kidney stone formation
Efficacy-patients advised to take plenty of water
Per CHEST Guidelines: no better than placebo
Cough Suppressant
Analog of codeine-works on the cough center in the medulla
-Dextromethorpan (DM), (Delsym)
Non-additive
Use with caution in someone with COPD, asthma, or acute bronchitis
Per CHEST guidelines: no better than placebo
Some patient s report efficacy with higher doses (eg 30 mg)
SE: rare
DDI: MAO inhibitors
Advisory Issued for OTC Cough and Cold Medication Use in Children 1/17/2008
Public Health Advisory: FDA recommends that OTC cough and cold products not be used for Infants and Children under 2 years of age
FDA has completed its review of info about the safety of OTC cough and cold medicines in infants and children under 2 years of age.
FDA Pregnancy Categories
Decogestants:
Category C- oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine
Antihistamines:
Category B- cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, diphenhydramine, loratadine
Category C-brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine
Expectorant:
Pregnancy C-guaifenesin
Cough Suppressant:
Pregnancy C-dextromethorphan
Pharmacology of Nicotine
Rapidly absorbed via inhalation
High concentrations in the brain
Increased HR, increased BP, peripheral vasoconstriction, enhances platelet aggregation
Causes CNS stimulation
Abrupt withdrawal-irritability, restlessness, anxiety, low concentration, increased cessation
Smoking Cessation Products
Effective as an aid in smoking cessation and for relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms
Principles of Nicotine Replacement Products
Reduces the physical effects (not psychological aspects) of smoking cessation
May be considered part of a comprehensive behavioral smoking cessation program
Main reasons for failure: 1) underdosing and 2) incorrect use
Principles of Nicotine Replacement Products Continued
-Do not "double-up"-stick with one product
-That includes cigarettes!
*None are safe in pregnancy
Nicotine Patches
Nicoderm CQ 21 mg, 14mg, 7 mg (24 hours)
Nicotrol 15mg, 10mg, 5mg (16 hours)
Start at highest dose for 6-12 weeks, then lower doses x 2 weeks
Start with lower doses if <10 cigarettes/day, <100lbs or cardiac disease.
Advantages: concealable, one time daily application
Disadvantage: adhesive allergy, 24 hr-vivid dreams
Good for those who smoke at regular intervals
Nicotine Palacrilex
Gum and Lozenge
GUM: Nicorette 2mg, 4mg
4mg for = or > 25 cigs/day; chew 1 piece q 1-2hx6wks; then self taper x 6 wks
Usal dose 9 pieces/day; max 24 pieces/day
Advantages: offers more control nicotine, good during cravings
Disadvantages: decreased absorption with dentures, bad taste
May work better for those who smoke at irregular intervals
LOZENGE: Commit 2mg, 4mg
First cigarette> 30 min after waking-2mg lozenge<30 min-4mg lozenge
Pt self tapers
Advantages: discrete
Disadvantages: bad taste
Consider if pt smokes more than 30 mins after waking
General Principles about Vitamins
Vitamins are not synthesized by the body
May be useful with a poor diet or during times or acute stress or illness
Nutritional intake(eg food) is preferred over supplements
General Principles about vitamins continued
OTC vitamins are not usually covered by insurance
Toxicities, although rare, can and do occur
In the US true deficiences are not common
Commonly Used Vitamins and Minerals
Divided into 2 Main Categories:
Fat-Soluble
Water-Soluble
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin ADEK
Deficiencies can be gradual and symptoms subtle
Toxicities with replacement are more common
Larger quantities require a prescription
Found primarily in plant and animal oils or fats
Vitamins A
Retinol and Carotenes
Uses:
Vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes, key to immunity, tissue repair
Toxicity-fatigue, malaise, N/V, HA, dizziness, blurred vision, birth defects
Vitamin D
Claciferol
Uses:
Aids in calcium and phosphorous absorption, prevents rickets and ostepmalacia, helps immune system function.
Toxicity-
Hypercalcemia, soft tissue calcification, N/V, anorexia, confusion, kidney damage
Vitamin D
Metabolic Pathway of Activation
Rx only
OTC
Vitamin E-alpha-tocopheral
Uses:
Protects cell membrans, helps repair body tissue
Neuroprotective-not proven
Cancer prevention- no proven
Cardioprotective-not proven
Toxcity-
Rare; growth retardation, poor bone calcification, anemia
Dosages> 400iu/day- increase mortality
Vitamin K
Phylloquinone, menadione
Uses: blood clotting and bone formation
Toxicity-hemolytic anemia
Water-Soluble Vitamins
The Bs
Vitamins C
Toxicity is Rare!!
Thiamine (B1)
Uses:
Aids in carbohydrate metabolism, assists in the function of the nervous system
Deficiency= "beri-beri" ( peripheral neuritis)
Alcoholics, intestinal malabsorption
Fatigue, muscle weakness and atrophy, numbnesss, tingling, memory problems
Riboflavin (B2)
Uses:
Helps maintain healthy skin
Deficiency:
When animal proteins are excluded from the diet
Niacin (B3)
Uses:
Maintains healthy tissue growth, aids in the utilization of carbs, helps cholestrol regulation ( increased HDL) * usually for pts with cholestrol issues*
Deficiency(rare)- pellagra
Alcoholics
SE: usually dose related
-Flushing, stomach upset
Pyridoxine (B6)
Uses
Utilization of amino acids
Deficiency is usually drug-induced
Isoniazid or penicillamine
SE: usually dose-related
Sensory neuropathy and ataxia
Folic Acid(B8)
Uses:
DNA production, hyperhomocysteinemia
Deficiency-RBC, Folated>Serum Folate
Alcoholics, pregnant women
Drugs-methotrexate, phenytoin
*usually absorbed in gut*
OTC doses=or< 0.8mg= or > 1mg is Rx only
Can mask B12 deficiency
Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Uses:
Energy production and growth, CNS function and blood cell formation
Deficiency:
Strict, vegetarians, absorption problems(eg intrinistic factor)
S/S: anemia, neuropathy, cognitive impairment
Oral treatment is OTC
If not being absorbed-OTC won't work!
Rx only (IM/SQ, intranasal)
Folate and B12 Deficiency
Always rule out a B12 deficiency before treating a patient for folate deficiency

Both are macrocytic anemias (high MCV)
S/S are very similiar; however
if you treat a folate deficiency, but B12, the anemia will improve, but the neurologica sequela of B12, deficiency will worsen.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Uses:
Maintains blood vessels, bones, tissues
Does not prevent the common cold.
Deficiency= scurvy
Rare if 1 serving of fruit or vegetable is consumed per day.
Toxicity can occur
Macronutrients
Sodium (1000mg)
-Required for nerve and muscle function
-Potassium (3500mg)
-Required for bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, normal muscle functions, and for normal heart rhythmm
-commonly purchased supplements.
Phosphorus (700mg)
-required for bone and teeth formation, and for energy production
-Chloride (1000mg)
-involved in electrolyte balance
Magnesium (320-420mg)
-Required for bone and teeth formation, for normal nerve and muscle function, and for the activation or enzymes.
Calcium
Deficiency can be drug-induced
e.g. corticosteriods (prednison)
Elemental calcium varies by salt
e.g Carbonate 40%, Citrate 21% (actually being absorbed)
Adequate Vitamin D is essential to good absortion
Magnesium
Deficiency (CV, neuro, renal)
Mental status changes, poor coordination, ECG changes
Toxicity is rare unless in the presence of renal insufficiency
CNS depressant and hypotension (cardiac arrest)
Micronutrients
Cooper (900mcg)- used for energu production for antioxidation, and for formation of the hormone epinephrine, red blood cells, bone and connective tissue
Fluoride (3-4mg)-required for the formation of bone and teeth.
Iodine (150mcg)- Required for the formation of thyroid hormones
Iron 8mg- required for enzyme formation; an importan component of muscle cells and of Hbg
Selenium 55mcg-acts as an antioxidant; required for thyroid gland function
Zinc 15mg- used to form many enzymes and insulin; required for healthy skin, healing of wounds, and growth, commonly purchased supplement.
Iron
Deficiency:
anemia
many causes
Elemental iron varies by salt
e.g. Sulfate 20%, fumarate 33%
SE: (common)
GI (n/v, constipation, diarrhea)
DRUGS
Years of testing in the lab
Evaluated and approved by FDA
Must prove safety and efficacy plus disclose it
Quality control is strictly monitored
HERBS
Years of use outside the lab
Not evaluated or approved by the FDA
Little to no proof of safety, efficacy, or disclosure require
Quality control is not required
Dietary Supplement health and Education Act (DSHEA)
Passed in 1994 permitting the sale of herbs in the US as dietary supplemennts provided that no therapeutic or health clain appear on the label.
Labeling requirement-" this product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and any disease"
Caveat Emptor
Let the buyer beware!
Fact or fiction
Adovacy literature-can only promote what research says.
Claims made are likely to be:
-Exaggerated
-Unsubstantiated
-Testmonials
They do have SE and can interact with each other and prescription drugs!
Selected Herbs/Supplements and Common Uses
Black cohosh-hot flashes
Chondroitin-OA
Echinacea-immune system booster
Feverfew- Migraine HA
Fish Oil- lower triglycerides, increase HDL
Garlic- Cholesterol lowering
Ginger- morning sickness
Ginko biloba- dementia
Glucosamine- OA
Melatonin- sleep regulation
Saw Palmetto- prostate problems
St. John's Wort-depression
Echinacea
Some reproted uses:
Antibacterial, antiviral, arthritis, genital herpes, URI, immunosuppression
MOA: unknown, but anti-viral and immune system booster (in vitro)
Reported SE: Dyspepsia, diarrhea, allergic-typer reactions
DI: immunosuppressants, doxorubicin
Evidence tells us:
May decrease severity and intensity of the common cold (if started at first appearance of symptoms)
Conflicting evidence
Does not support chronic use
Does not prevent a cold!
Ginger
Some reported Uses:
-Antiemetic, dyspepsia, arthritis, diverticulitis, antiinflammatory
MOA: The antiemetic activity of ginger has been shown to stimulated gastric secretion and peristalsis
Reported SE: bleeding, no sedation
DI: Warfarin, anti-platelet drugs
Ginger
Evidence tells us:
Ginger is beneficial as an antiemetic, for both nausea and vomiting, in women 17 weeks gestation.
Problems with herbals
Not consistently studied
-proper dose, monitoring, SE, DDI, etc are not always known
Formulations are not equivalent
-Remember no (or poor) quality control is a possibility
-All ingredients do not have to be listed on the label
Patients could be self-diagnosing and not seeking proper medical attention
FDA requirements of OTC Drug Product Labeling
Name
Ingredients-Active(amount) and Inactive
Purpose- pharmacologic class
Uses-indications
Warnings-do not use-absolute contraindications when product should not be used under any circumstances
Ask doctor before use if you have-warnings for persons with certain preexisting conditions and for persons experience certains symptoms
Ask doctor or pharmacist before use drug/drug interactions food/drug interactions
SE that could occure and substances or activities to avoid.
Watch for signs of toxicity and serious reactions
Pregnancy, breastfeeding warning
Keep out of reach of children/Accidental overdose warnings
Directions-dosage and when, how, or how often to take
ALWAYS inquire about the use of all vitamins and supplements!
In practice, use reputable references for your information!
Remember your patients may not be!