OTC & Self-Care Flashcards

A customer requests treatment for cold sores on their lip. Which OTC product is most effective?

Answer: Aciclovir 5% cream (Zovirax) applied at first sign of tingling

Aciclovir 5% cream is the antiviral OTC treatment for herpes labialis (cold sores). It must be applied at the earliest prodromal sign (tingling) for maximum effect, before vesicle formation.

A mother asks if her 2-year-old can take OTC cough medicine. What is the correct advice?

Answer: OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 6 years

MHRA guidance states that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be used in children under 6 years. Most are ineffective and may cause harm. Supportive care is recommended.

Which OTC product is used for the treatment of scabies?

Answer: Permethrin 5% cream

Permethrin 5% cream (Lyclear Cream) is first-line OTC treatment for scabies. The whole body (excluding face) must be treated and all household contacts treated simultaneously.

A patient taking SSRIs asks about taking St John's Wort for additional mood support. What is the critical interaction?

Answer: Serotonin syndrome risk — both increase serotonin, a potentially life-threatening combination

St John's Wort has serotonergic activity. Combined with an SSRI, it can precipitate serotonin syndrome (hyperthermia, clonus, agitation, tachycardia), which can be life-threatening.

What is the OTC age restriction for selling aspirin in the UK?

Answer: Not recommended under 16 years due to Reye's syndrome risk

Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 16 years (under 18 in some guidelines) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome — a rare but potentially fatal condition causing liver and brain damage.

A customer is buying paracetamol and codeine OTC (co-codamol 8/500). What advice must be given?

Answer: Not to be taken for more than 3 days without medical advice; risk of codeine dependence and constipation

OTC co-codamol should not be used for more than 3 days without medical review due to codeine dependence risk and constipation. Patients must also be warned against combining with other paracetamol products.