Chronic Disorders and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Disorder | OTC Drugs | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
Cold remedies | Recovering alcoholics need to be vigilant about avoiding any products that contain alcohol, including cold remedies. Some products contain as much as 25% alcohol. | |
Decongestants | People with diabetes should consult a doctor before they take decongestants because these drugs can worsen diabetes and have dangerous side effects. | |
Cough syrups | People with diabetes may need help locating liquid products that do not contain sugar, cough syrups included. | |
Antihistamines Decongestants | People with an enlarged prostate should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they take antihistamines and decongestants because side effects can be dangerous. | |
Antihistamines Decongestants | Taking an antihistamine or decongestant can complicate certain types of glaucoma. | |
Heart disease | Antacids Cold remedies Analgesics | People with heart disease should consult a doctor or pharmacist to help them select an antacid or cold remedy that does not interact with their prescription drugs. Certain analgesics such as NSAIDs may worsen heart failure. |
Decongestants | People with heart disease should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they take decongestants because side effects can be dangerous. | |
High blood pressure (hypertension) | Analgesics Antacids | People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they select an analgesic or antacid. |
Decongestants | People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they take decongestants because side effects can be dangerous. | |
Hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid gland) | Decongestants | People with hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they take decongestants because side effects can be dangerous. |
Kidney disorders | Antacids NSAIDs | People with kidney disorders should consult a doctor or pharmacist before they select an antacid or use an NSAID. |
NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; OTC = over-the-counter. | ||