Yes, pharmacists play a vital role in helping people safely use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. They act as your healthcare guide, helping you pick the right products and use them safely. Pharmacists can provide patients with the necessary information to make proper selections when choosing OTC products and can encourage them to thoroughly read the labels of OTC products and to always ask questions if they are uncertain about the selection of and proper use of OTC products.
Think of your pharmacist as your personal health advisor who’s always ready to help. This article will show you exactly how pharmacists keep you safe when using OTC medications and why their help is so important.
What Are Over-the-Counter Drugs?
Over-the-counter drugs are medicines you can buy without a prescription from a doctor. The term over-the-counter (OTC) refers to a medication that can be purchased without a medical prescription. These include common items like pain relievers, cough medicine, and allergy pills.
You can find OTC drugs in many places:
- Pharmacies like Greenleaf Pharmacy
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Online stores
Why OTC Drugs Matter
Nearly 260 million Americans rely on OTC medications regularly, and for 2023, it was estimated that OTC sales in the United States reached more than 43 billion U.S. dollars. These numbers show just how important these medicines are in our daily lives.
The most popular OTC drugs include:
- Pain relievers (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen)
- Cold and flu medicines
- Allergy medications
- Stomach remedies
- Vitamins and supplements
How Pharmacists Help You With OTC Drugs
Acting as Your Medicine Expert
The pharmacist plays a key role in ensuring that the balance of OTC use tips toward benefit rather than risk. Your pharmacist knows about medicines and can help you in many ways:
Product Selection Help According to respondents, selecting the appropriate product is the biggest concern for most patients. With so many choices on the shelf, picking the right one can be tricky. Your pharmacist can help you choose based on your specific needs.
Safety Checks Pharmacists check if the OTC drug will work well with any prescription medicines you’re already taking. Pharmacists also have an important role is consulting with patients about possible drug–drug interactions with the prescription drugs they are taking.
Proper Usage Guidance Your pharmacist explains how to take the medicine correctly, including:
- How much to take
- When to take it
- How long to use it
- What to avoid while taking it
Real-World Impact of Pharmacist Counseling
In a 1996 study, fourth-year pharmacy students interacted with 745 patients in community pharmacies in Washington State. Following consultation, 42.6% of patients changed their intended purchase, 8% made no purchase, 4.3% were referred to a physician, and 7.1% avoided a potential adverse effect.
This study shows that when pharmacists take time to talk with patients, it makes a real difference in keeping people safe.
What Pharmacists Look For When Helping You
Your Health History
Before recommending an OTC drug, pharmacists ask about:
- Other medicines you’re taking
- Health conditions you have
- Allergies you might have
- Previous reactions to medicines
Drug Interactions
Each over-the-counter medication, just like prescription medications, have drug interactions or side effects from taking it. A simple example is acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is in about every medication over-the-counter, any combination product. It does work well with reducing fever and reducing mild pain, but if we take too much, we can cause liver damage.
Special Situations
Pharmacists pay extra attention to certain groups of people:
Older Adults Adults aged 65 years and older consume 33% of all OTC medicines sold in the U.S. They need special care because:
- They often take multiple medicines
- Their bodies process drugs differently
- They’re more likely to have side effects
Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help older adults with appropriate selection and use of OTC medications, as they have access to patients’ prescription profiles to identify potential drug interactions.
Pregnant Women The Drug Facts label on most OTC products directs pregnant and breastfeeding women to “ask a health professional before use.” Pharmacists help pregnant women choose safe options.
Children Kids need different doses than adults. Pharmacists help parents calculate the right amount based on their child’s weight and age.
Common OTC Drug Categories Pharmacists Help With
Pain Relief Medications
This includes products for headaches, muscle aches, and other pain. Popular options include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Aspirin
Pharmacists at locations like Greenleaf Pharmacy’s pain relief section help you pick the right one for your type of pain.
Cold and Flu Remedies
When asked which products pharmacists counseled patients on most frequently, 98.8% answered cough and cold products. These products can be confusing because many contain multiple ingredients.
Allergy Medications
With so many allergy products available, pharmacists help you understand which type works best for your symptoms. You can learn more about allergy medications and how they work.
Digestive Health Products
From antacids to anti-diarrheal medications, pharmacists help you choose products that work for your stomach problems without causing other issues.
When Pharmacists Say “See a Doctor”
Sometimes, pharmacists will tell you to see a doctor instead of using an OTC drug. This happens when:
- Your symptoms are too serious for self-treatment
- You’ve been using OTC drugs for too long without improvement
- You have a condition that needs professional medical care
- The OTC drug might not be safe for you
Only around a third of encounters resulted in the pharmacist recommending a specific OTC medication, while a notable proportion led to a suggestion involving a non-drug alternative therapy or even a prompt for patients to communicate clinical/medication concerns with their primary care physician.
Understanding Drug Facts Labels
The FDA requires all OTC drugs to have a special label called the “Drug Facts” label. FDA regulation makes sure the labels on all OTC medicines (from a bottle of sunscreen to a bottle of cough syrup) have information listed in the same order; are arranged in a consistent style and contain easier to understand words.
What’s on the Label
The Drug Facts label includes:
- Active ingredients and their amounts
- What the medicine is used for
- Warnings and when not to use it
- How to use it properly
- Other important information
According to the FDA’s official guidance, reading the product label is the most important part of taking care of yourself or your family when using nonprescription medicines. Your pharmacist can help you read and understand these labels, especially if you have questions about any part of them.
The Business Side: How OTC Drugs Affect Pharmacies
When asked what approximate percentage of their pharmacy business comprised OTC product sales, 43.7% responded between 11% and 25%, and 37.6% said between 1% and 10%. This shows that OTC drugs are an important part of what pharmacies do.
However, more than 90% said they take an active role in counseling patients on OTC-related products. This means pharmacists prioritize your safety over just making a sale.
How to Get the Most From Your Pharmacist
Ask Questions
Don’t be shy about asking your pharmacist questions. Running everything by a pharmacist and making sure a pharmacist signs off on that would be better care for our patients. Some good questions to ask:
- “Is this safe with my other medicines?”
- “How long should I use this?”
- “What should I do if it doesn’t work?”
- “Are there any side effects I should watch for?”
Bring Your Medicine List
Always tell your pharmacist about all the medicines you’re taking, including:
- Prescription drugs
- Other OTC medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal products
Be Honest About Your Symptoms
The more your pharmacist knows about your symptoms, the better they can help you. Don’t leave out details that might seem embarrassing.
The Future of OTC Drugs and Pharmacists
The OTC drug market keeps growing. The U.S. over the counter (OTC) drugs market was valued at US$ 41.93 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 69.65 billion by 2033. This growth means pharmacists will play an even bigger role in helping people use these medicines safely.
New Technologies
Pharmacists are starting to use new tools to help patients better:
- Computer systems that check for drug interactions
- Apps that help track your medicines
- Online counseling services
More Prescription Drugs Becoming OTC
More prescription drugs are becoming available over-the-counter. This means pharmacists need to stay up-to-date on new products and help patients understand how to use them safely.
Safety Tips for Using OTC Drugs
Read Labels Carefully
Always read the entire label before taking any OTC drug. Pay attention to:
- Dosing instructions
- Warnings
- When to stop using it
- When to call a doctor
Store Properly
Keep OTC drugs:
- In a cool, dry place
- Away from children
- In their original containers
- Away from heat and moisture
Don’t Mix Without Asking
Never mix OTC drugs with prescription medicines or other OTC drugs without asking your pharmacist first.
Know When to Stop
Stop using an OTC drug and call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms get worse
- You develop new symptoms
- You have side effects
- It’s not working after the recommended time
Special Situations Where Pharmacist Help is Critical
Traveling
When traveling, especially to other countries, pharmacists can help you:
- Choose medicines that are safe to take on planes
- Understand what medicines are available in your destination
- Pack your medicines properly
Managing Multiple Conditions
If you have several health problems, your pharmacist can help you choose OTC drugs that won’t interfere with your prescription medicines or make your conditions worse.
Cost Concerns
The high cost of prescription drugs (Rx), which is majorly due to the cost involved in drug development, is causing a shift toward OTC drugs in the United States. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost one in three US individuals does not take medication as prescribed due to the high cost. Your pharmacist can help you find affordable OTC options that work well for your needs.
Why Pharmacist Counseling Matters More Than Ever
For every dollar spent on OTC medicines, the U.S. healthcare system saves more than seven dollars, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. This shows how important OTC drugs are for keeping healthcare costs down.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. The pharmacists play a vital role in controlling the number of medications being dispensed as OTC drugs. They can also counsel and advise the consumers regarding OTC medications.
Building Trust
Since pharmacists are consistently ranked as one of the most trusted health care professionals, it should come as no surprise that consumers often turn to them for information about OTC products. This trust comes with the responsibility to provide accurate, helpful information.
Working With Your Local Pharmacy
Choose a Pharmacy That Cares
Look for pharmacies that:
- Have knowledgeable pharmacists
- Take time to answer questions
- Keep good records of your medicines
- Offer additional services like medication counseling
Build a Relationship
Getting to know your pharmacist helps them provide better care. They’ll learn about your health needs and can spot potential problems more easily.
Final Thoughts
Pharmacists are your partners in safe OTC drug use. They have the knowledge and training to help you choose the right medicines, use them safely, and avoid problems. By conducting a thorough evaluation of the patient’s needs, pharmacists can assist patients in making informed decisions regarding OTC selections to optimize therapy and ensure the safe use of these products.
Remember, just because you can buy OTC drugs without a prescription doesn’t mean you should use them without getting advice. Your pharmacist is there to help you stay healthy and safe. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – it’s what they’re there for.
The next time you need an OTC medicine, take advantage of your pharmacist’s expertise. It could make the difference between getting better quickly and safely, or dealing with unnecessary problems. Your health is worth that extra conversation with your pharmacist.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple headache or managing multiple health conditions, your pharmacist is your best resource for safe OTC drug use. Make them part of your healthcare team – you’ll be glad you did.