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Publication #FCS8624-ENG

Healthy Living for Elders: Tips for Taking Over-the-Counter Medicine1

Jennifer Hillan2

Nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often a convenient and inexpensive way to treat minor health problems. However, OTC products are serious medicines that can cause unwanted problems if used incorrectly. If you are taking OTC products, here are some guidelines to help you use them safely:

Read the Label Carefully

Before taking any product, always read the label. Follow all directions and warnings. This is especially important if you have allergies or chronic health conditions.

More is Not Better!

Take only the amount directed on the label and don’t take the drug any longer than recommended.

Check the Expiration Date

Check the expiration dates on your medicines twice a year. Throw away outdated products but do NOT flush them down the toilet.

Inspect Before You Buy

Check the package and medicine for signs of tampering. If the product is open or the seal is broken, don’t buy it.

More Safety Tips

• Store medicine in a cool, dry place.

• Keep all medicine in the original containers.

• Keep medicine out of the reach of children (don't forget visiting grandchildren!)

Remember, OTC products can relieve symptoms, not cure a disease. See your doctor if symptoms persist.

Remember, OTC products can relieve symptoms, not cure a disease. See your doctor if symptoms persist.

Footnotes

1.

This is document FCS 8624-ENG, one in a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultrual Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Publication date: March 2004. Latest Revision: May 2008. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

2.

Jennifer Hillan, MSH, RD, LD/N, former ENAFS nutrition educator/trainer, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Reviewed by Linda B. Bobroff, PhD, RD, LD/N, professor, University of Florida.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.