OTC Safety & Teaching
The MOST important question to ask about OTC use during assessment.
What is “What OTC medications or supplements are you taking?”?
This herbal supplement can interact dangerously with many drugs.
What is St. John’s wort?
This vitamin is water-soluble and excess is excreted.
What is vitamin C?
This mineral is essential for treating iron-deficiency anemia.
What is iron?
This symptom is NOT associated with cannabis use.
What is tinnitus?
A patient taking OTC cough syrup gives it to a child. The child becomes lethargic.
What is alcohol-containing product causing adverse effects?
Why patients should avoid buying OTC drugs from unknown online sources.
What is risk of counterfeit/dangerous products?
This herbal supplement can interact dangerously with many drugs.
What are opioids, vitamins, and hormone therapies?
This vitamin deficiency is common in strict vegetarians.
What is vitamin B12?
This happens to stool when taking iron supplements.
What is dark green or black stool?
Common niacin side effects.
What are flushing, warmth, itching?
A strict vegan presents with fatigue and neurologic symptoms.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency?
A key label detail often overlooked that can cause harm.
What are hidden ingredients (e.g., alcohol)?
This vitamin reduces warfarin’s effect when taken.
What is vitamin K?
This vitamin is essential in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
What is folic acid?
Best way to take iron supplements.
What is dark green or black stool?
What is given with niacin to reduce side effects.
What is aspirin?
A patient taking warfarin begins a “green smoothie cleanse.”
What is vitamin K intake reducing anticoagulant effectiveness?
Proper action for expired, discolored, or unlabeled medications.
What is dispose safely (consult pharmacist)?
This electrolyte can prolong QT interval when deficient.
What is magnesium?
Early signs of toxicity for this vitamin include yellow skin and anorexia.
What is vitamin A?
A common side effect of calcium supplements.
What is constipation?
Priority teaching for vitamin A use in pregnancy.
What is avoid excess due to birth defect risk?
An alcoholic patient is given glucose before thiamine and develops confusion.
What is Wernicke encephalopathy due to thiamine deficiency?
Best response when a patient asks if expensive vitamins are better.
What is higher cost does not equal better effectiveness?
Taking large amounts of this mineral can block absorption of others.
What is calcium?
This vitamin may increase heart failure risk despite common use.
What is vitamin E?
Foods high in this electrolyte include bananas and citrus fruits.
What is potassium?
Priority intervention when giving IV thiamine.
What is monitor for allergic reaction?
A strict vegan presents with fatigue and neurologic symptoms.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency?