SPF-FDA
FDA has recognized only two sunscreen actives as safe and effective, and this one is also the classic diaper-rash protectant. → What is zinc oxide?
What is zinc oxide?
Despite its September 2025 label change, FDA still calls this the safest OTC pain reliever and fever reducer in pregnancy. → What is acetaminophen?
What is acetaminophen?
FDA proposed removing this oral decongestant from the monograph in November 2024 because it doesn’t work.
What is phenylephrine?
Sold as a supplement, this botanical comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa.
What is kratom?
n May 2026, a combination acne gel switched to OTC for patients 12 and older. It pairs a retinoid that has been OTC since 2016 with an oxidizing antibacterial. Name both ingredients.
*Requires both ingredients for credit.
What are adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (Differin Epiduo)?
Note: The switch was May 22, 2026, at adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%. Require both ingredients for credit.
This is the other mineral sunscreen active recognized as safe and effective.
What is titanium dioxide?
FDA warns that this drug class can cause fetal kidney problems and low amniotic fluid when used at 20 weeks or later.
What are NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)?
This 2005 federal law moved pseudoephedrine behind the counter. It caps sales at 3.6 g per day and 9 g per 30 days, and it requires photo ID and a logbook.
Provide the name of the law not just the acronym.
What is the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA)?
Earlier benzene recalls of sunscreens and hand sanitizers traced back to contaminated ingredients. In acne products, the benzene forms from this active ingredient breaking down.
Response: What is benzoyl peroxide?
Note: FDA’s own testing of 95 acne products found 6 with elevated benzene, and more than 90% had undetectable or extremely low levels.
Known for causing allergic and photocontact dermatitis, this aminobenzoic acid filter was removed from the sunscreen monograph in September 2026.
What is PABA?
At 81 mg daily, this drug is the exception to analgesic avoidance in pregnancy because it is recommended to prevent preeclampsia in high-risk patients.
What is low-dose aspirin?
*Reminder: NEVER call this "baby aspirin"
This 12-hour imidazoline nasal spray should be limited to 3 days to avoid rhinitis medicamentosa.
What is oxymetazoline?
Note: rhinitis medicamentosa = rebound congestion
In June 2026, this 4 mg naloxone nasal spray became the second naloxone product to switch from prescription to OTC, following Narcan in 2023.
What is Rextovy?
This salicylate-based UV filter was removed from the monograph
What is trolamine salicylate?
Combination headache products like Excedrin pair acetaminophen with this stimulant. ACOG advises pregnant patients to keep their total daily intake below 200 mg.
What is caffeine?
Reminder: ACOG advises pregnant patients to keep their total daily intake below 200 mg.
The l-isomer of methamphetamine, this ingredient is the topical decongestant in Vicks VapoInhaler.
What is levmetamfetamine?
This is kratom’s most abundant alkaloid, and 7-OH can be synthesized from it.
What is mitragynine?
Under this FDA pathway, finalized in December 2024, a manufacturer can sell a drug OTC if it adds a condition such as a self-selection questionnaire to make sure consumers use it appropriately.
What is the ACNU (Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use) rule?
Added to the monograph in June 2026, this broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filter has long been used in Europe and Asia as Tinosorb S.
What is bemotrizinol?
Pregnant patients who avoid aspirin should also avoid this antidiarrheal.
What is bismuth subsalicylate?
**HIDDEN salicylate
In multi-symptom cold products, this analgesic substantially raises plasma phenylephrine concentrations when the two are taken together.
What is acetaminophen?
In July 2026, DEA announced its intent to temporarily place this concentrated kratom alkaloid in Schedule I.
What is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)?
Before benzene put benzoyl peroxide in the news, this retinoid made history in 2016 as the first new OTC acne active ingredient in decades.
What is adapalene?