Over the Counter medications

DEFINITION OF TERMS ANALGESIC: pain relieving medication ANTIPYRETIC: fever reducing medication ANTI INFLAMMATORY: reduces swelling and inflammation ANTIHISTAMINE: prevents histamine release and dries up secretions like runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes; helps in allergic reactions

TERMS (cont) DECONGESTANT: reduces swelling in nasal passages to alleviate stuffiness & congestion COUGH SUPPRESSANT: cough medicine that is supposed to quiet or suppress coughs MUCOLYTIC: cough medicine that breaks up and loosens mucus or phlegm NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; these are medications that are not steroids (prednisone-like) but they reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries or dx NON-NARCOTIC: pain relievers that are not in the opium family; don’t need prescription

OTC medication ACETAMINOPHEN IBUPROFEN Brand name : TYLENOL Antipyretic Analgesic Take only as directed on label paying close attention to not exceeding dose for your age or weight Read other labels carefully as other OTC meds may contain acetaminophen Should not use by anyone with liver disease (or in combination with alcohol) Brand names: Motrin, Advil, Nuprin Antipyretic Analgesic NSAID (so it’s anti- inflammatory) Take as directed on bottle or by your doctor Take with FOOD; can increase risk for bleeding b/c of antiplatelet effect

ASPIRIN BRAND NAMES: Ecotrin, Bayer, Anacin, Bufferin, etc) Aspirin and all aspirin products should be avoided by children and adolescents ESPECIALLY WITH VIRAL ILLNESSES unless instructed by your doctor for certain conditions IT HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH “REYES SYNDROME” Read all labels of OTC medication to see if contain aspirin products (salicylate, acetylsalicylate, Common medications that contain aspirin: Alka-seltzer, Pamprin, Excedrin, Pepto-Bismol, Percodan

REYE SYNDROME Reye Syndrome can follow a viral illness about 1-2 weeks later Can affect all organs but mostly liver & brain Cause unknown Linked to aspirin use for viral illnesses in kids & teens Avoid aspirin under 19 unless under Dr advice Symptoms: persistent or continuous vomiting, signs of brain dysfunction: drowsy, listless Progresses to personality changes, irritability, aggressive behavior…. May progress to loss of consciousness and seizures Need emergency medical treatment!