You’re standing in the drug store aisle with one of those miserable colds. Your throat is on fire, you’re coughing violently, and you have no memory of being able to breathe through your nose.
You need relief. Fast.
But you don’t know which drug to pick.
There are decongestants, fever reducers, cough suppressants, and multi-symptom drugs that do everything but clean your house.
Before you find yourself in this situation, check out some useful online resources prepared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has put together a checklist for you to take to the store so you can find the medicine to treat only what ails you—nothing more and nothing less.
There’s also a pamphlet on reading drug labels, avoiding negative drug interactions, using over-the-counter drugs while pregnant or nursing, and treating children.
Over-the-counter drugs are safe as long as they are taken correctly, according to Todd Fisher, MD. That’s why it’s vital to understand dosages, directions, and other information on drug labels.
“If you take too much of an over-the-counter medication, you are going to run into trouble,” says the Hummelstown family doctor.
You also need to make sure over-the-counter drugs don’t interact with any of your prescription medications and are safe to take if you have a medical condition.
Dr. Fisher recommends that you talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you still have questions.
“We’re not talking about the oil to put in your car. It’s a human life. It’s always safest to call the doctor’s office,” Dr. Fisher says.