PSI Clinical Pharmacy & OTC

Question 1

Which OTC medication is first-line for mild-to-moderate pain in a patient with no contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Paracetamol 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 4 g/day)

Answer

Codeine 30 mg every 4 hours

Answer

Ibuprofen 400 mg every 4 hours

Answer

Aspirin 300 mg every 4 hours

Question 2

Ibuprofen is contraindicated OTC in patients with:

Accepted Answer

Active peptic ulcer, third trimester of pregnancy, or severe renal impairment

Answer

Mild seasonal allergy

Answer

Controlled hypertension only

Answer

Age over 60 with no other issues

Question 3

Which antihistamine is classified as non-sedating and is suitable for OTC hay fever treatment?

Accepted Answer

Cetirizine

Answer

Chlorphenamine

Answer

Promethazine

Answer

Hydroxyzine

Question 4

MUPS (Medicines Use Points System) in Ireland — in which OTC recommendation should pharmacists ALWAYS refer to a GP without treating?

Accepted Answer

Red flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, dysphagia or blood in stool with indigestion

Answer

Simple heartburn after a large meal in an otherwise healthy adult

Answer

Occasional acid reflux only

Answer

Mild bloating in an adult with no other symptoms

Question 5

Which OTC treatment is appropriate for athlete's foot (tinea pedis) caused by dermatophytes?

Accepted Answer

Topical clotrimazole 1% cream for 2–4 weeks

Answer

Oral fluconazole OTC dose

Answer

Hydrocortisone cream alone

Answer

Povidone-iodine solution

Question 6

Which symptom combination in a child under 2 with a cough and cold requires immediate referral?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate >50 breaths/min, subcostal recession, or cyanosis

Answer

Runny nose alone

Answer

Mild cough without fever

Answer

One night of disturbed sleep