An increasing number of medication available in the market can be seen nowadays as the need for treatment, cure, prevention and mitigation for diseases in humans and animals also rises.
Indeed, drug (medication) is one of the most essential instruments in promoting quality health outcomes.
A drug as defined is “a substance (other than food) intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.”
Two types of Drugs(Medicines) are available in the Market:
OTC Over the Counter drugs
*These are drugs which do not require a physician’s prescription
*It can be bought in the pharmacy(drugstores)
or grocery stores.
*Example of some OTC drugs include those intended for fever, cough and colds, vitamins, etc.
*Tips on buying OTC medications:
-Do not forget to read and follow thoroughly the instructions stated on the label and do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist for questions.
-There are some medications that should not be taken together. For example, cough and cold preparations usually contain Paracetamol; hence, there is no need to buy another set of drug for fever.Prescription drugs
*These are drugs (as the term implies) which require physician’s prescription
*It can be bought ONLY in the pharmacy or drugstores.
*Example of Prescription drugs include those intended for infection (antibiotics), hypertension, diabetes, etc.
*Tips on buying Prescription medications:
-Do not forget to bring your prescription as this will be the basis on dispensing your medications.
-Example of Antibiotics include Amoxicillin, Cefalexin, Penicillin, etc. and ALL of these require prescription from your physician.
Importance in identifying which is OTC and prescription drug is important because most of the time people tend to abuse their drug use. If symptoms persist or if you are feeling unusually ill, it is always recommended to consult your doctor and avoid self-medication. In our generation, information is within one’s grasp but still the best remedy is to consult your physician or health care provider.
Stay Healthy, Live Healthy!
References/Sources:
-https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm100101.htm
-https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/tc/over-the-counter-medicine-precautions-topic-overview