Drugs or medications are chemical substances isolated from
natural sources or synthesized in the lab and which have been shown to be
useful in the treatment of one medical condition
or the other. Many years of research and clinical trials have enabled medical
professionals to design safe and suitable regimen (how you're supposed to take
any drug) of any drug for different types of conditions and age groups. And
over time, drugs have come to be grouped under over-the-counter or prescription medications. It is very
important to know a few key differences between medications in these two groups
for your safety:
Over-the-counter Medications
1. Over-the-counter medications are drugs that you can buy
without a doctor's prescription
because they have been shown to be safe and effective in the absence of a
doctor's supervision. Some examples include analgesics like ibuprofen,
paracetamol; antihistamines for treating conditions like itching from allergic
skin reaction (e.g. loratadine); cough medicines containing chlorpheniramine;
and medicines for treating fever like aspirin
2. Over-the-counter medications are well-tolerated by most
people, hence the chance of adverse drug reaction is very slim for them.
3. But before taking any of these over-the-counter
medications, make sure you check their expiry date, ingredients, and follow the
instructions and warning printed on the bottle, pack or pamphlets. Also, take
special precautions when giving these medications to children and elderly
people.
Prescription Medications
4. Prescription medications, on the other hand, are drugs
that require a doctor's prescription before you can buy and use them. They are
only sold in licensed pharmacies, and you must present a prescription from a
certified, licensed medical doctor before the pharmacist can dispense them to
you. Examples of prescription meds include opioid analgesics like morphine;
antipsychotics like haloperidol and olanzapine used treating conditions such as
psychosis, mania, and schizophrenia
5. Prescription medications have a potential for abuse due to
their highly addictive property than over-the-counter medications; they also
have a lot of side effects which manifest in many people taking them, unlike
over-the-counter medications. Hence, it is advisable to take them as instructed
by the doctor (avoid overdosing yourself). In addition, you will be required to
revisit your doctor if you exhaust a prescription for a review to determine if
another round of prescription will be necessary.
Whether it is an over-the-counter or prescription medication,
never take more than printed or instructed dose at any point in time. For
pregnant women, always consult your doctor before you take any medications,
even if they are over-the-counter like supplements and paracetamol. Do not
hesitate to stop any drugs you're taking and report to your doctor if you react
to such drugs, and don't forget to remind another doctor of this reaction if he
or she wants to prescribe same drugs for you in a different setting.
