What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications?

Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

1. How are prescription drugs different from OTC ones?

A. They contain higher amounts of active ingredientsB. They don't contain dyes or preservativesC. They're unsafe for use without medical supervisionD. They can be toxic

2. You should follow certain precautions when you self-treat with OTCs. What should you do?

A. Diagnose your health problem carefullyB. Read the label carefully and follow dosage instructionsC. Follow any label warningsD. All of the above

3. Aspirin can cause problems with which of these conditions?

A. AsthmaB. BronchitisC. SinusitisD. Low blood pressure

4. People allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to which other OTC(s)?

A. NaproxenB. KetoprofenC. IbuprofenD. All of the above

5. You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safely for how long before seeing a doctor for a diagnosis?

A. 1 to 3 daysB. 7 to 10 daysC. 3 to 5 daysD. 30 days

6. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause gastric distress, but an overdose of as little as 4 to 8 grams can lead to irreversible liver disease. Who is most at risk?

A. People who drink alcoholB. Anyone fastingC. SmokersD. A and C

7. Antacids often are taken for digestive problems. What is the greatest danger?

A. People tend to overdoseB. People take them for longer than recommendedC. Antacids affect the absorption of other drugsD. They can have a rebound effect

8. Older adults are especially vulnerable to the side effects of which of these OTCs?

A. LaxativesB. Pain relieversC. AntihistaminesD. Decongestants

9. Many OTC medications for children come in liquid form. What is the best way to measure the dosage?

A. Use a kitchen tablespoonB. Use a kitchen teaspoonC. Use a special dosing spoonD. Any of the above

10. What should you look for when you select an OTC drug?

A. One that helps a wide range of symptomsB. One that helps your primary symptomC. One that's a time-release formulaD. One that doesn't have red dye

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What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications?