Be MedWise Tennessee
UT Extension, Be MedWise Promoting Wise Use of Over-the-Counter Medicines  

Learn These Facts About Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications:

    * OTC medications are safe when taken as directed, but they are still serious medicines that can cause harm if taken incorrectly.
    * Many OTC medicines use the same active ingredient, so make sure you know the active ingredients in each OTC drug.
    * Always read the OTC drug label and always follow the dosage instructions. Taking more of the OTC than is recommended is not safe.
    * To play it safe, consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking OTC's correctly.
    * Keep all your medicines - prescription, OTC and herbal supplements written down on the UT Med Minder Card (SP632) and share it with all your health care providers.
    * Compare ingredients if you are taking OTC's and prescription medicines at the same time.
    * Acetaminophen is very toxic in doses over 4,000 mg per day for adults or 2,500 mg for children. Check with your pharmacist to make sure you are not exceeding this limit by taking several OTC medications or mixing OTC and prescription medications that contain this ingredient. Acetaminophen toxicity is now the leading cause of liver failure and half of all liver transplants.
     
    • Tylenol®
    • Excedrin®
    • Bromo Seltzer®
    • TheraFlu®
    • Dayquil® and Nyquil®
    • Midol®
    • Darvocet®
    • Percocet®
    • Zebutal®

Visit these links for more information about the safe use of acetaminophen.

 
Be Med Wise Tennessee