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

    Answer: Ibuprofen (Advil)

    NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce renal blood flow by inhibiting prostaglandins and can worsen kidney function in patients with CKD. Acetaminophen (with dose adjustments) is generally preferred.

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

    Answer: Pseudoephedrine

    Pseudoephedrine can be used to manufacture methamphetamine. CMEA requires it to be kept behind the pharmacy counter with purchase quantity limits and ID verification.

  3. Maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult is:

    Answer: 3,000–4,000 mg/day

    The standard maximum is 3,000–4,000 mg/day for healthy adults (4 g/day per manufacturer, though many clinicians recommend ≤3 g/day for regular use); doses above this risk hepatotoxicity.

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

    Answer: Anticholinergic side effects including sedation, urinary retention, and confusion

    First-generation antihistamines are on the Beers Criteria due to anticholinergic effects (sedation, confusion, urinary retention, dry mouth) — particularly risky in older adults.

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

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

    The FDA warns against using OTC cough/cold products in children under 4 years due to risk of serious side effects; many experts recommend against them in children under 12.

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

    Answer: Topical nasal decongestants (oxymetazoline)

    Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and other topical nasal decongestants should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days; prolonged use causes rebound congestion worse than the original symptom.