Use backup contraceptive after administration. Patients taking oral contraceptives regularly should also use backup contraception, such as condom, until next period cycle starts.
The only OTC expectorant recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.
Often used with antihistamines, decongestants, and antitussives in combination products.
Administer with a large quantity of fluids for best results.
When used for self-care, do not use extended-release tablets in children <12 years of age.
The safest laxatives for chronic use include bulk formers and stool softeners.
The bulk formers in powder formulation must be taken with adequate fluid for optimal effect and to avoid choking.
TABLE 63–2 Ingredients of known efficacy for selected over-the-counter (OTC) classes. (Continued)
Pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide (RID) Treatment of overactive bladder for women with symptoms of urge incontinence and urinary urgency and frequency for at least 3 months.
Treatment of head lice (permethrincontaining products); and pubic and body lice (piperonyl butoxidecontaining products).
Avoid use in: men; women <18 years of age; patients with symptoms of a urinary tract infection (pain or burning when urinating, blood in urine, unexplained lower back pain, urine that is cloudy or foul smelling).
Adverse effects include: sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
For external use only. Avoid use: if allergic to ragweed; in children <2 years of age; near the eyes; inside the nose, mouth, or vagina; on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes.
Adverse effects include: itching and redness at the application sites.
Women should consult with their physician about symptoms before using this product.
Women who only experience accidental urine loss when coughing, sneezing, or laughing may have stress incontinence; this product is not effective for this condition.
The OTC patch formulation contains the same dosage as the prescription product.
One patch should be applied to abdomen, hips, or buttocks every 4 days; alternating sites.
Proper use requires careful inspection and thorough application of the products (10 minutes) to the affected areas.
Following application, lice and nits (eggs) should be removed with a fine-tooth comb.
Kills live lice (neurotoxic), but is not effective for eggs (nits). Therefore, repeat process in 7-10 days to kill newly hatched nits.
Clothing, bed linens, and other items that the infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment should be washed using the hot water (130°F) cycle and dried using  the high heat cycle.
CHAPTER 63 Therapeutic & Toxic Potential of Over-the-Counter Agents 1127
TABLE 63–2 Ingredients of known efficacy for selected over-the-counter (OTC) classes. (Continued)
The recommendations listed in Table 63–2 are based on the efficacy of the ingredients and on the principles set forth in the following paragraphs.
1.
Select the product that is simplest in formulation; in general, single-ingredient products are preferred. Combination products may contain effective doses of some ingredients and subtherapeutic doses of others. Furthermore, there may be differing durations of action among the ingredients, and there is always a possibility that the clinician or patient is unaware of the presence of certain active ingredients in the product.
2.
Select a product that contains a therapeutically effective dose.
3.