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

6 cards from real Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications and Counseling flashcards as text

  1. A patient with hypertension asks for an OTC decongestant for a cold. What is the best recommendation?

    Answer: Phenylephrine 10 mg — use with caution; consider non-drug options like saline rinse

    Oral decongestants (both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine) can raise blood pressure. If use is necessary, phenylephrine with close BP monitoring is sometimes used short-term, but saline irrigation and fluids are safer first options.

  2. Which OTC antacid contains calcium carbonate and may provide a supplemental calcium benefit?

    Answer: Calcium carbonate (Tums)

    Calcium carbonate (Tums) neutralizes gastric acid and also provides elemental calcium, making it useful as both an antacid and a calcium supplement.

  3. A patient is selecting an OTC laxative for occasional constipation. Which type of laxative is considered safest for long-term use?

    Answer: Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)

    Polyethylene glycol (PEG) works osmotically, drawing water into the colon, and is considered safe for long-term use. Stimulant laxatives can cause dependence with prolonged use.

  4. Which OTC product should be recommended for a patient describing symptoms of vaginal yeast infection (itching, thick white discharge, no fever)?

    Answer: Clotrimazole or miconazole vaginal antifungal cream/suppository

    OTC azole antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole) in 1, 3, and 7-day formulations effectively treat uncomplicated vaginal candidiasis. Metronidazole treats bacterial vaginosis, not yeast infections.

  5. A patient asks about OTC proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole). The recommended OTC course is:

    Answer: Take for 14 days, may repeat every 4 months if needed

    OTC omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) is labeled for a 14-day course of treatment, repeated no more than once every 4 months. Prolonged unsupervised use warrants medical evaluation.

  6. Aspirin therapy in children with viral illness should be avoided because of the risk of:

    Answer: Reye's Syndrome

    Aspirin use in children/teenagers with viral illnesses (influenza, chickenpox) is associated with Reye's syndrome — a rare but potentially fatal condition causing liver and brain damage.