Over-the-counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications can cause side effects and interact with prescription medications you are taking. Although over-the-counter medications do not require a prescription from your healthcare provider, and you can easily buy these medications at pharmacies or grocery stores, they are not necessarily safer or have fewer side effects.

Examples of over-the-counter medications:

• Pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Cough medications such as Mucinex or Robitussin
• Acid reflux medications such as Zantac or Prilosec

If you are on multiple medications, ask your healthcare provider if over-the-counter medications are okay for you to take. If you are taking an over-the-counter medication, make sure to always follow the instructions and never take more than the recommended dose.