OTC Medicines

[rafhelp]

Ok i wanted to start this thread so people can add any advice, things to watch out for relating to OTC medicines. The aim is to increase OTC knowledge and for those students that maybe dont get alot of OTC experience. If you see anything wrong or think it is debatable please comment.

For example I'l start:

1. When selling nytol you should always state its for short term only.
2. When selling hydrocortisine cream make sure patient is aware that it should not be used on the face, should be used sparingly and for a maximum of 7 days.
3. When selling ibuprofen check if they are asthmatic, if there are and they have used ibuprofen before with no problems then sell them otherwise sell an alternative such as paracetamol, or a topical form of pain relief.

[Asterix]

Ibuprofen - check if they have bp, if they do, don't sell.

[johnep]

I have high BP, on max of four meds. I have been prescribed Ibu and took one last night. So elaborate please.
johnep

[shan]

As long as your BP is stabilised with other meds it is OK to take Ibuprofen under the medical supervision (under the GP's care) Where, the BP is not under control and the patient takes Ibuprofen OTC there are chances his BP may shoot up abnormally. Hope I am right

Shan

[enzotabletcounter]

Don't do what a locum did in my shop and sell a customer 100 soluble co-codamol, a 32 box of Paramol and a bottle of Kaolin and Morphine...


OTC prochlorperazine (Buccastem M) is only for nausea caused by migraines. OTC opiate analgesics (co-codamol, Paramol etc) are only for a maximum of 3 days and where alternatives haven't worked. If they haven't already tried paracetamol/ibuprofen then sell them one of those two (although co-codamol 8/500 is no more effective than paracetamol alone and simply causes you to be constipated).

[SolomonQ]

keep medicines away from children

[crit care]

As long as your BP is stabilised with other meds it is OK to take Ibuprofen under the medical supervision (under the GP's care) Where, the BP is not under control and the patient takes Ibuprofen OTC there are chances his BP may shoot up abnormally. Hope I am right

Shan

isn't it more that NSAIDs can cause fluid retention so ?use with caution in patients with raised BP.....not something i would worry about, maybe in soemone with heart failure...

[rafhelp]

in an otc book i got it says if a patient suffering with flu or cold presents in the chemist and suffers from heart or lung disorders then they should be referred to the GP, but in the examples one such patient is sold external/topical products and given advice but NOT refered to the GP.

People with heart conditions should not be sold pseudoephidrine as it can BP (raise), also patients should be told to avoid taking pseudoephidrine at night time as it may cause difficulty in sleeping.

[enzotabletcounter]

in an otc book i got it says if a patient suffering with flu or cold presents in the chemist and suffers from heart or lung disorders then they should be referred to the GP, but in the examples one such patient is sold external/topical products and given advice but NOT refered to the GP.

Did they have cold/flu symptoms?

[rafhelp]

Did they have cold/flu symptoms?

yes.

another question. Pregnant woman presents with allergic skin reaction. cant be given antihistamine tablets so what would be best to sell to her?