NUMB AND NUMBER
After a sore-throat spray, a patient has gray or blue lips and nail beds, a headache, shortness of breath and a fast heart rate. These are signs of this benzocaine reaction.
What is methemoglobinemia?
A ragweed allergy is a caution for this OTC lice treatment and for this "liver" supplement.
What are synergized pyrethrins; milk thistle?
OTC laxatives are limited to fewer than this many days without referral.
What is 7 days?
First-generation antihistamines for sleep, allergy or cough are contraindicated in this type of glaucoma.
What is narrow-angle glaucoma?
In June 2026, Rextovy, a 4-mg nasal spray of this drug, was approved for OTC sale.
What is naloxone?
After a benzocaine or dyclonine lozenge numbs the mouth, the patient should avoid doing this until the numbness wears off. Lozenges should be used this way.
What is eating or drinking; dissolved slowly, not chewed?
Beano's enzyme comes from Aspergillus niger, so patients with this allergy should be cautious.
What is mold allergy?
For musculoskeletal pain, give the self-care limit for oral analgesics, topical analgesics and topical diclofenac.
What is 10 days; 7 days; 21 days?
These 4 disease states (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma and BPH) can be worsened by the same product. Name the type of product.
What are systemic decongestants?
In May 2026, this retinoid/benzoyl peroxide gel went OTC for acne in patients 12 and older.
What is Differin Epiduo?
Its structure is different from the other anesthetics, so it's APhA's go-to switch when a patient reacts to an anorectal or insect-bite anesthetic.
What is pramoxine?
Per the natural products slides, this lactation-promoting herb cross-reacts with an allergy to this legume.
What is fenugreek; chickpea?
Refer VVC if symptoms don't improve within this many days. Refer hemorrhoids or diaper rash if not better after this many days.
What is 3 days; 7 days?
Hemorrhoid products with this ingredient class carry nearly the same cautions as decongestants, and MAOIs and TCAs can strengthen their effects.
What are vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine 0.25%)?
Name the first new sunscreen active in about 20 years and the UV rays it covers.
What is bemotrizinol; UVA and UVB?
This anesthetic is a common allergen in bite products. The anorectal chapter reports seizures and cardiorespiratory arrest in children who swallowed it.
What is dibucaine?
This sheep-derived protectant in diaper and anorectal products is a common contact sensitizer. APhA says patients with this food allergy can generally use shea butter with minimal risk
What is lanolin; tree nut allergy?
Diphenhydramine for sleep and caffeine for drowsiness share this self-care limit. After this many nights of better sleep, the patient should skip a diphenhydramine dose.
What is 7–10 days; 3 nights?
Caffeine may lower the seizure threshold with these two drug classes, and should be avoided entirely with this class.
What are bupropion and antipsychotics; MAOIs?
Give bemotrizinol's maximum concentration, its minimum age, and the 2020 law that sped up its approval.
What is 6%; 6 months; the CARES Act?
For musculoskeletal pain, give OTC lidocaine's concentration range, dosing interval, maximum applications per 24 hours and duration limit. Also name the allergy that rules it out.
What is 0.5–4%; every 6–8 hours; no more than 3 applications in 24 hours; 7 days; allergy to amide anesthetics?
In aspirin-intolerant patients, this food dye cross-reacts up to 15% of the time. The respiratory type of aspirin intolerance is linked to asthma with this nasal finding, and this diarrhea product is contraindicated
What is tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5); nasal polyps; bismuth subsalicylate?
Rank these from shortest to longest self-care limit: topical hydrocortisone, loperamide, topical nasal decongestant, oral analgesic for pain.
What is loperamide (48 hours) → topical decongestant (3–7 days) → hydrocortisone (7 days) → oral analgesic (10 days)?
68-year-old man with BPH, narrow-angle glaucoma and hypertension wants Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Nighttime. Each 15 mL contains phenylephrine 5 mg, acetaminophen 325 mg, dextromethorphan 10 mg and doxylamine 6.25 mg. Name the 2 problem ingredients, which of his conditions each one worsens, and APhA's preferred approach instead.
What is:
FDA finalized this rule in December 2024, and it took effect in March 2025. It creates a new pathway for OTC drugs that require an extra step before a consumer can buy or use them, such as a mobile app questionnaire, an in-store digital screening or a secured website. Give the acronym, what it stands for, and the purpose of the rule.
What is ACNU, "Nonprescription Drug Product with an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use"? It helps consumers select and use the product appropriately without practitioner supervision, which could open OTC access to more complex drugs, including ones for chronic conditions.