OTC - using safely
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. They treat a variety of minor health conditions. Most OTC medicines are not as strong as what you can get with a prescription. But that does not mean they are without risk. In fact, not using the OTC medicines safely can lead to serious health problems.
Here is what you need to know about OTC drugs.
You can buy OTC medicines without a prescription in:
When used properly, OTC medicines can help protect your health by:
It is fine to use OTC medicines for most minor health problems or illnesses. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider or your pharmacist. Your provider can tell you:
Your pharmacist can answer questions such as:
You can also get information about OTC drugs on the medicine label.
Most OTC medicines have the same kind of label, and soon all of them will. That means whether you buy a box of cough drops or a bottle of aspirin you will always know where to find information you need.
Here is what the label will show you:
The label will also tell you the medicine's expiration date. You should dispose of it and not take it once that date has passed.
You should:
Also be sure to take steps to keep kids safe. You can prevent accidents by keeping medicine locked up, out of reach, and out of sight of children.
US Food & Drug Administration website. The over-the-counter medicine label: take a look. www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-you-drugs/over-counter-medicine-label-take-look. Updated September 27, 2017. Accessed Accessed August 11, 2022.
US Food & Drug Administration website. Understanding over-the-counter medicines. www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/understanding-over-counter-medicines. Updated May 16, 2018. Accessed August 11, 2022.
US Department of Health and Human Services website. Healthy living: use medicines safely: the basics. health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely#the-basics-tab. Updated July 20, 2022. Accessed August 11, 2022.
US Department of Health and Human Services website. Healthy living: use medicines safely: take action. health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely#take-action-tab. Updated July 20, 2022. Accessed August 11, 2022.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 8/11/2022
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
![]() |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.