Pharmacy Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications and Counseling

Question 1

A patient with chronic kidney disease asks for a pain reliever. Which OTC medication should be recommended with CAUTION or avoided?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen (Advil)

Answer

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer

Aspirin (low dose)

Answer

Caffeine

Question 2

Which OTC decongestant is restricted under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA)?

Accepted Answer

Pseudoephedrine

Answer

Phenylephrine

Answer

Guaifenesin

Answer

Dextromethorphan

Question 3

Maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult is:

Accepted Answer

3,000–4,000 mg/day

Answer

1,000 mg/day

Answer

2,000 mg/day

Answer

6,000 mg/day

Question 4

An OTC first-generation antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is not recommended in older adults primarily because of:

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic side effects including sedation, urinary retention, and confusion

Answer

Its high cost relative to alternatives

Answer

Risk of serotonin syndrome

Answer

Severe drug interactions with all antibiotics

Question 5

A parent asks which OTC cough-and-cold products are safe for their 3-year-old. You should tell them:

Accepted Answer

OTC cough/cold products are not recommended for children under 4 years old

Answer

Use half the adult dose

Answer

Dextromethorphan is safe at any age

Answer

Codeine-containing syrups are fine for toddlers

Question 6

Which OTC product class requires patients to be counseled about rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) with prolonged use?

Accepted Answer

Topical nasal decongestants (oxymetazoline)

Answer

Oral antihistamines

Answer

Saline nasal sprays

Answer

Intranasal corticosteroids