OTC medications are available without a prescription, and you can purchase them at most pharmacies. However, consulting your pharmacy Humble specialist is always a good idea if you are taking an OTC medication.
With so many types of OTC products on the market, knowing which ones you should take is essential. You should always consult your doctor before taking any OTC medication if you have any serious medical condition or if you are taking any prescription medication. You should consult the pharmacy staff before taking OTC medication for several reasons.
They can help with dosage
The pharmacy staff is well-versed in the dosages of all medications, which is why they can be instrumental in helping you determine what dosage to take for your particular condition. If a pharmacist is unavailable when you visit the store, it is best to call ahead and ask for their assistance in determining what dosage would work best for you.
They can advise about side effects
The pharmacy staff can advise about any potential side effects of a medication, including whether there are any interactions between other drugs and this one that could cause problems such as dizziness or drowsiness. They will also be able to advise on any possible drug interactions that could occur when mixing two or more medications so that there are no unwanted side effects when taking them together.
They can tell you how long to wait between doses
If you are taking another medication and are unsure when it will affect your current medication, contact your pharmacist or doctor so that they can advise you on how long to wait before taking them together. Sometimes, there may be some interaction between the two medications, but this doesn’t necessarily mean one will cancel out the other. Sometimes, it helps them work better together than if taken separately.
They can help with allergies
Some OTC medicines are made from natural ingredients and may cause allergic reactions in some people. The pharmacist will know whether or not this applies to you and be able to advise what changes need to be made when taking these medications alongside other medications or food products that contain allergens (e.g., nuts).
They can determine if there is a better option available
The pharmacist will tell you if other OTC medications may be better for you. For example, they may suggest acetaminophen instead of aspirin or ibuprofen instead of acetaminophen. If the pharmacist determines that better options are available, they can recommend those medications instead of the ones you have selected.
They can help prevent drug overdose
The number one cause of death in the United States is drug overdose. You should always consult your doctor before taking any OTC medication if you have any serious medical condition or if you are taking any prescription medication. With so many OTC products on the market, knowing which ones you should take and when is essential.
When it comes down to it, asking a pharmacist for advice on OTC medication is one way of ensuring that your treatment plan is safe and effective. If you have questions about your medication, please call Calvary Urgent Care so the pharmacy staff can help you.