Over The Counter Drugs

Sometimes it may be easy to forget that the over the counter (OTC) drugs that you can buy without a prescription are still drugs. But they are, and the misuse of OTC drugs causes 178,000 hospitalizations a year. According to the FDA, the best way to take your OTC is seriously.

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OTC—Obey The Checklist:

Always read and follow directions on the OTC Drug Facts label
Choose an OTC medicine that treats only the problem you have
If your medicine is causing a side effect speak to your doctor or another healthcare professional.
If you have any questions or concerns about an OTC medicine ask a health care professional.
Don't use expired medicines.

Keep yourself and your family safe with information from the FDA.

Use information, given by the FDA, to answer your questions, in language that won't require being a doctor to understand.

FDA tips for safe use of OTC pain relievers and fever reducers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers/fever reducers are safe and effective when used as directed. For some people with certain conditions or using specific medicines, pain relievers may cause serious problems. The Drug Facts label tells you when and how to use these medicines safely and effectively.

Learn more about how to take pain relievers correctly and safely. (Click here for the Spanish version.)

Find out how to read and follow directions on medicine labels.

Download this brochure.

Over-the-Counter Medicines:
What's Right for You?

Don't ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Know what to look for.

Avoid taking more than one medication with the same active ingredient.

Download the FDA's brochure in English or Spanish

Kids aren’t just small adults.

Learn more about medicines, children and the care every child deserves (Click here for the Spanish version)

Download this brochure

To obtain printed copies of any of these materials, please email your request by title to: dpapubs@cder.fda.gov. You can also call 301-827-1243 or 1-888-INFO-FDA

Back to School Safety
(08/25/08) As summer draws to a close, it is a good time for parents to talk to their children about safety. Whether your children walk, ride the bus, ride their bike, or travel by car to school, discuss these safety tips with them before the school year begins.

Take Action with the Red Cross.

Back to School Safety (08/25/08) As summer draws to a close, it is a good time for parents to talk to their children about safety. Whether your children walk, ride the bus, ride their bike, or travel by car to school, discuss these safety tips with them before the school year begins.

Take Action with the Red Cross.

Back to School Safety
(08/25/08) As summer draws to a close, it is a good time for parents to talk to their children about safety. Whether your children walk, ride the bus, ride their bike, or travel by car to school, discuss these safety tips with them before the school year begins.