1. Over-the-Counter Medicine Education
LEARNING ABOUT THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF MEDICINES
Welcome to OTC Literacy.
Today we are going to talk about over-the-counter (or OTC) medicines—how to responsibly use and store these medicines, and what can happen if you don’t. To use OTC medicines safely and correctly, you need to read the label and use the information on the label.
Many of the medicines that people use to treat common problems like headaches, fever, stuffy nose, allergies, cough, upset stomach, or diarrhea are over-the counter medicines.
Today we are going to learn:
The similarities and differences between OTC and prescription (or Rx) medicines
How to read and follow the Drug Facts label on OTC medicines
How to responsibly dose and store medicine
The dangers of misusing medicine
Over the next few years, you may start making some of these decisions on your own. But for now, while you are still learning and growing, it is important to use medicines only with permission from your parent or guardian.
There are many things you are learning in school these days that your parents never learned about when they were young, therefore it’s important that you take what you learn today and talk about it with your parents. Who knows, you might teach them something new!

2. Why Is It Important? 50% of adolescents
begin to self-medicate as early as ages 11 to 12.
10,000 ER visits per year for medicine overdose in persons younger than 18 are caused by adolescents self-administering OTC medicines.
Research shows that children begin to self-medicate around 11 years old. When not equipped with the knowledge and information to make safe choices, adolescents may end up doing more harm than good.
Many think OTC drugs are safer than prescription drugs, but all medicines can cause harm if not used appropriately. If we’re not equipping ourselves and our families with the knowledge and training to make safe choices relating to OTC medicine, mistakes can happen. For example, in 2012, poison centers across the country managed more than 140,000 cases of pharmaceutical exposures involving children ages 6 to 19. In 2004 and 2005, an estimated 58,546 emergency department visits were caused by adolescents self-administering medications, and 33.9% of these visits resulted from an overdose of OTC medications—about 10,000 per year. 
Education is important, and we need to facilitate that education in our community—and in our classrooms—now. [Visit / project instructional and informational videos from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Video Room:
Additional resources for pairing with this presentation are referenced individually throughout the slides and can be found here in full:

3. A medicine is also called a drug…
Medicines Are Drugs
So what is a medicine? A medicine is a drug.
A medicine or drug changes a chemical process in your body to treat, prevent, or relieve the symptoms of a disease.
Medicines can do things as simple as making you feel better when you have a cold or as complicated as treating a serious disease like cancer.
Does anyone wish to share a personal story that describes what happens when you get sick? When was the last time that you didn't feel well? What happened? (Answers may include: go to the doctor, take medicine, rest, drink water or juice, stay home from school, etc.)
Today we are going to be talking about the safe and responsible use of medicines, with a focus on over-the-counter medicines.
A medicine is also called a drug…

4. Who Has Used an Over-the-Counter Medicine This Week?
So have you or anyone in your family used an over-the-counter medicine this week?
(Ask participants to write down the medicine taken by the student or family member and the reason it was taken. Students tend to provide examples of both over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines. If you are not familiar with a medicine or think that it may be a prescription medicine, ask the student whether he or she needs a prescription from a doctor to get the medicine.)
Okay. This list gives us good examples of why people use medicines. Headaches, stuffy nose, and allergies are very common reasons that people use over-the-counter medicines.
Some of these examples are prescription medicines. Let’s take a couple of minutes and talk about how prescription and over-the-counter medicines are different and how they are the same.
What are some reasons for using an OTC medicine?

5. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicines
Let’s take a couple of minutes and talk about how prescription and over-the-counter medicines are different and how they are the same.
How are they different?
How are they the same?

6. How are they different? How are they the same?
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicines
How are they different? How are they the same?
Prescription
Prescribed by a doctor for one person
Bought at a pharmacy and dispensed by a pharmacist
Used by only one person in a family– the person it’s prescribed for
Both types of medicine:
Directions must be read and followed carefully before use.
Children should use only with permission of a parent or guardian.
A doctor, pharmacist, or nurse can answer questions.
Dangerous to misuse or abuse.
Over-the-Counter
Can buy without a doctor’s prescription
Bought off the shelf in store or pharmacy aisles
May be used by more than one person in a family for the same symptom or problem
(Read through the differences between prescription and over-the-counter medicines.)
Any medicine can cause harm if you use too much of the medicine or use it incorrectly. This is true for both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Never share your prescription with someone else. Never use someone else’s prescription medicine.
For all medicines, you must read and follow the directions carefully and correctly.
Children should use medicine only with permission and under the direction of a parent or guardian.
If you have questions about a medicine, you can ask a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
[A more interactive alternative to in lieu of presenting the information can be found in OTC Literacy’s Student Worksheet 1:

7. How do you decide which OTC medicine is right for you?
Read the Drug Facts label.
Every over-the-counter medicine in the United States has a the Drug Facts label that looks like this. While the information inside the box is different for each medicine, the design of the Drug Facts label and the order of the different sections is always the same. This makes it easy to compare different medicines when you are trying to choose the right medicine for your problem. It also makes it easy to find the information you need to use your medicine correctly and safely.
Let’s take a closer look -- see also “Medicines in My Home: The Over-the-Counter Drug Facts Label Video” from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
All OTC medicines have a Drug Facts label.

8. What’s on the Label? THE DRUG FACTS LABEL
Drug Facts help you understand the medicines that you take and how to take them safely.
While a LOT of Americans—statistics indicate that it’s 95%—read some portions of the Drug Facts label, only half (51%) say they seek out the packaging label for usage information when they plan to take an OTC medication for the first time. This label provides important information about the medicine, including a list of active ingredients and important warnings, in addition to the medicine’s inactive ingredients. Every medicine is unique and has a certain set of characteristics that enable it to treat specific symptoms.
[For adult members of the audience, please see “Why the Label Matters” in the set of Family Resource Sheets from OTC Literacy:
The Drug Facts label appears on all over-the-counter (OTC) medicines from mouthwash to pain medicines to sunscreen to eye drops.
Question – What could happen if you only read part of the directions on a test? Or in a recipe?

9. What’s on the Label? USES:
Describes the symptoms that the medicine treats.
Why is it important to thoroughly read the Drug Facts label before taking an OTC medicine?
The Uses section describes the symptoms that the medicine treats, and will include specific language such as “Temporarily relieves coughing due to minor throat and bronchial irritation,” if the medicine treats that type of condition.
Note: Use the CLASSROOM POSTER ( to walk audience through the Drug Facts label’s sections. Distribute WORKSHEET 2 ( to better engage audience in dialogue.

10. What’s on the Label? WARNINGS:
Safety information including side effects, the questions you should ask a doctor before taking the medicine, and which medicines to avoid using at the same time.
Look in the Warnings section to learn about what other medicines you should not take with this medicine, side effects the medicine can cause, when you should ask a doctor before taking the medicine, and other important safety information like when to stop taking the medicine and talk to a doctor.
Note: Use the CLASSROOM POSTER ( to walk audience through the Drug Facts label’s sections. Distribute WORKSHEET 2 ( to better engage audience in dialogue.

11. What’s on the Label? ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
The ingredients in the medicine that make it work.
There are INACTIVE INGREDIENTS, too. These ingredients are not intended to treat your symptoms (e.g., preservatives).
If someone is taking more than one OTC medicine at a time, it’s important to be very aware of the active ingredients in each. No one should take two medicines simultaneously that contain the same active ingredients unless instructed to do so by a doctor, pharmacist, or other health-care professional. The Drug Facts label tells us the name of the ingredient, how much of that ingredient is in each pill or teaspoon, what that ingredient does, and its uses.
Note: Use the CLASSROOM POSTER ( to walk audience through the Drug Facts label’s sections. Distribute WORKSHEET 2 ( to better engage audience in dialogue.

12. What’s on the Label? OTHER INFORMATION:
This section explains how to store the medicine. A bit later, we’ll get into why safe storage is so important.
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS: The phone number for the company that manufactures this medicine is listed here. Call them if you have questions about the medicine.
Some medicines also have a Questions or Comments section of the label that gives you the phone number of the company if you have questions or comments on the specific medicine.
In the Other Information section of the label, you’ll find other things you need to know, such as how to store the medicine. Storing medicine safely in your home is very important, and we’ll get into why a bit later.
Note: Use the CLASSROOM POSTER ( to walk audience through the Drug Facts label’s sections. Distribute WORKSHEET 2 ( to better engage audience in dialogue.

13. What’s on the Label? AND REMEMBER: DIRECTIONS:
Always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Dosing devices are customized to the medicine, and SAFE dosing is critical!
DIRECTIONS:
Indicates the amount or dose of medicine to take, how often to take it, and how much you can take in one day.
The Directions section of the label tells you the amount of medicine (dose) you can take, how often you can take the medicine, and how much you can take in one day.
This section will include important information about the appropriate dose you should take – and SAFE dosing is critical.
Note: Use the CLASSROOM POSTER ( to walk audience through the Drug Facts label’s sections. Distribute WORKSHEET 2 ( to better engage audience in dialogue.

14. Safe Dosing
Ask yourselves: If I wanted to measure how far it is from the school to my house, would I use a ruler?
[Have members of the audience begin to think about why accurate measurements are important.] Ask: What are some examples of times when getting less accurate measurements or even estimating are okay? When is it important to get really accurate measurements? Why?
Use the measuring spoon, cup, or syringe that comes with your medicine. This is the most exact way to measure your dose!
[Look at OTC Literacy’s Student Worksheet 3A for prompts to explore this subject as a group:
Have you used a household spoon to take medicine recently—or something OTHER than the dosage device that came with it?

15. MEDICINE MEASURING TOOLS Because measurement is an exact science.
Safe Dosing
MEDICINE MEASURING TOOLS
Why do medicines come with dosing devices?
Because measurement is an exact science.
All medicines should be dosed and used under the supervision of a parent or a trusted adult.
Measure carefully–accuracy is important.
When the recommended dose is not followed, medicines can cause harm.
Measure CAREFULLY: Accuracy is important when it comes to taking medicine, or when you’re giving medicine to family members. Always use the measuring cup, dropper, or syringe that comes with your medicine. This is the most exact way to measure your dose.
When the recommended dose is not followed, medicines may not work the way they are meant to, or may result in an overdose.
If your medicine doesn’t come with a special measuring tool, ask for one at the pharmacy.
A silverware/household spoon may hold the wrong amount of medicine.
Make sure the tool can measure the right dose. Check the markings on the tool to be sure.
[Review/distribute “Know the Dose” from OTC Literacy’s Family Resource Sheets to better direct points about safe dosing to audience:

16. Where does your family store medicine at home?
Safe Medicine Storage
Where does your family store medicine at home?
Are there rooms in your home where medicine is sometimes left in the sight and reach of children?
Keep medicines out of the reach of young children. The younger children in our families – our little brothers and sisters -- might think that certain medicines taste really good. They aren’t candy, and medicines can harm children if they take too much.
Every year nearly 500,000 parents and caregivers call poison control centers because a child got into medicine while unattended.
[Distribute OTC Literacy’s Student Worksheet 3B for prompts to explore this subject as a group:

17. SAFE medicine storage is SIMPLE.
OTC Medicine Safety
SAFE medicine storage is SIMPLE.
A few tips:
Store medicine and vitamins up and away and out of the sight and reach of curious small children at home.
Store medicine in its original container, and replace the cap tightly after administering medicine.
Safely dispose of all expired medicines.
Via UpandAway.org:
Any kind of medicine or vitamin can cause harm if taken in the wrong way, even medicine you can buy without a prescription. Walk around your house and find a storage place too high for a child to reach or see.
Never leave them out on a kitchen counter or at a sick child’s bedside, even if you have to give the medicine again in a few hours. Always put every medicine and vitamin away every time you use it, including those you use every day. And try to buy medicine in child-resistant packaging when it’s available.
Always relock the safety cap on a medicine bottle. If the medicine has a locking cap that turns, twist it until you hear the click or you cannot twist anymore. Remember, even though many medicines and vitamins have safety caps, children may be able to open them. Always store every medicine and vitamin up and away and out of children’s sight.
[NOTE: Distribute CULMINATING ACTIVITY 1 ( for hypothetical scenarios that underscore the points covered so far. Utilize follow-up questions with the audience.]

18. scholastic.com/ OTCliteracy/parents
Dangers of Medicine Misuse
Misuse—taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine in a manner other than what is directed by the Drug Facts label or a doctor—is dangerous.
About the OTC Literacy Program
Medicine errors and misuse of commonly available over-the-counter medications result in approximately 10,000 emergency room visits for kids under 18 each year.
10,000
SOURCE: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2009
scholastic.com/ OTCliteracy/parents
OTC medicines are available for purchase without a doctor’s prescription. While these medicines are easy to buy, they can be harmful if misused.
In situations where we’re required to take OTC medicines regularly, it’s important that we’re cognizant of safe medicine practices and behaviors. These can be simple to adhere to – safe storage, safe dosing, etc.
Even as we take medicine daily – if it’s part of our routine – we may make errors in dose or dosing frequency. Let’s pledge today to take medicine responsibly, and to do our part to make sure that those around us in our community are doing the same. Let’s also make sure that we’re leaning on the health-care professionals in our community as a reliable, go-to resource for questions and concerns.
[NOTE: Distribute CULMINATING ACTIVITY 2 ( to encourage hypothetical scenarios about misuse. Utilize follow-up questions with the audience.]
It is important to know that adolescents should not be taking OTC medicines without the supervision of a parent or trusted adult.

19. Is it dangerous or safe to…
OTC Medicine Safety
Is it dangerous or safe to…
About the OTC Literacy Program
…take more than the recommended dose?
…redose more frequently than directed on the label?
…take medicines for reasons or symptoms other than what is directed on the label?
…use more than one medicine with the same active ingredient at the same time?
The answer to all of these questions is ”DANGEROUS” because there are very real and potentially dangerous consequences when someone misuses OTC medicines. The Drug Facts label provides instructions for using the medicine safely. OTC medicines can be harmful if misused or if not used as directed by the Drug Facts label.
[NOTE: Distribute/review openly STUDENT WORKSHEET #3A ( and review/highlight important points on safe dosing.]
…take medicines for longer than directed on the label?

20. Six Important Medicine Rules
Never share your medicine with someone else.
Never use someone else’s medicine.
Know the active ingredients in your medicine and never take more than one medicine with the same active ingredient.
Always read and follow the label, every time you take medicine.
It is never safe to misuse or abuse prescription or OTC medicines.
Only take medicines with the permission and guidance from your parent or guardian.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines need to be treated with the same care and caution as prescription (Rx) drugs.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about an OTC medicine.
Always use the dosing device that comes with your OTC medicine.
OTC medicines should be put up and away, and out of sight, after every use.

21. WHO WOULD YOU CALL… Know Who to Ask
…if you had a treatment question or an inquiry about your OTC medicine, or you needed quick advice in the case of an emergency poisoning?
There are 55 poison control centers in the United States. Each provides free 24-hour professional advice to anyone in the 50 states.

22. 1-800-222-1222 Know Who to Ask THE POISON HELP NUMBER
Poison centers take calls 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Calls are fast, free, confidential, and answered by experts. Don't wait for an emergency to call your local poison center. You can ask questions, request materials, or get treatment help for poisoning exposure.
Via AAPCC.org:
Poison centers provide poison expertise and treatment advice by phone. All poison centers can be reached by calling the same telephone number,  Poison centers are staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information providers who are toxicology specialists.
Annually, of all the calls to a poison center about a potential poisoning, more than 70 percent of calls are managed on-site and outside of a healthcare facility, meaning that the caller got the help they needed over the phone and didn't have to go to a hospital or a healthcare provider. This makes poison centers a key resource to safely reduce costly emergency room visits and lighten the load on an overtaxed healthcare system.

23. LET’S REVIEW. WHAT DID WE LEARN?
OTC Medicine Safety
LET’S REVIEW. WHAT DID WE LEARN?
Differences between prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
Importance of the Drug Facts label and its different sections
How to use the Drug Facts label to determine an appropriate dose (under a parent or trusted adult’s supervision)
[Revisit/utilize freely the Student Worksheets and Culminating Activities if there is a good opportunity to use group-based learning/review here.]
[Culminating Activities:
[Student Worksheets:
[For parents, the Family Resource Sheets are freely accessible here:

24. WHAT ELSE DID WE TALK ABOUT?
OTC Medicine Safety
WHAT ELSE DID WE TALK ABOUT?
Distinguishing between safe and unsafe storage locations for OTC medicines
Understanding that using OTC medicines irresponsibly can cause harm
Recognizing unsafe situations involving OTC medicines and using problem-solving skills to brainstorm solutions
[NOTE: Distribute FACT SHEETS ( for take-home, highlight specific topics addressed in FACT SHEETS openly as necessary.]
…and the Poison Help Number:

25. FREE DOWNLOADABLE AND INTERACTIVE RESOURCES:
OTC Medicine Safety
FREE DOWNLOADABLE AND INTERACTIVE RESOURCES: