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Over-the-Counter Medicines
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Drug Therapy

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines allow for an active role in health care, provided they are used correctly and with awareness of potential risks.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains, and itches. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines and allergies.

Safety and Usage

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration decides whether a medicine is safe and effective enough to sell over-the-counter. While this allows you to take a more active role in your health care, you must be careful to avoid mistakes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the drug label. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist or health care provider.

Risks to Consider

  • The medicine you are taking could interact with other medicines, supplements, foods, or drinks.
  • Some medicines are not right for people with certain medical conditions (e.g., people with high blood pressure should not take certain decongestants).
  • Some people are allergic to certain medicines.
  • Many medicines are not safe during pregnancy; check with your health care provider before taking any medicine.
  • Be careful when giving medicines to children. Use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons rather than a kitchen spoon to ensure the correct dose.

When to Contact a Provider

If you have been taking an OTC medicine but your symptoms don't go away, contact your health care provider. You should not take OTC medicines longer or in higher doses than the label recommends.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not take multiple OTC cold and flu products simultaneously without checking their ingredient lists. Many combinations contain the same active ingredients, such as acetaminophen or decongestants. Taking them together can lead to accidental overdose, particularly of acetaminophen, which can cause severe liver damage. Always read the labels to ensure you are not exceeding the maximum daily dose of any single ingredient.
You should contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after the recommended duration of use, typically three to seven days depending on the condition. Additionally, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen, if you develop new symptoms, or if you experience side effects such as rash, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach pain. Do not increase the dose or extend the treatment period beyond what is stated on the label.
Yes, people with high blood pressure should generally avoid OTC decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, as these can raise blood pressure and heart rate. If you have hypertension, consult your pharmacist or doctor before using any nasal or sinus congestion remedies. They can recommend safer alternatives, such as saline sprays or antihistamines, that do not affect blood pressure.
lways use the measuring device provided with the medicine, such as a dosing cup, syringe, or oral dropper, rather than a household kitchen spoon. Kitchen spoons vary significantly in size and can lead to dangerous overdoses or underdoses. Measure the dose carefully according to your child's weight and age, and if you are unsure of the correct amount, ask your pharmacist for guidance before administering the medication.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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