Over-the-Counter Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free: What You Need to Know
Author: Primary Health Awareness Trust
Published: June 2025
What Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription — from pharmacies, supermarkets, or even online. These include painkillers, cold and flu remedies, indigestion tablets, and more.
Many people assume that because they’re easy to buy, they must be safe — but for older adults, some OTC medicines can cause serious problems, especially when combined with prescription drugs.
Hidden Dangers of OTC Medicines
- Interactions with prescriptions: Common cold remedies may affect blood pressure medicine or antidepressants.
- Side effects in older adults: Some antihistamines or sleeping aids can cause drowsiness, confusion, or increase the risk of falls.
- Duplicate ingredients: You may accidentally take the same active ingredient from two sources — e.g. paracetamol in both pain relief and cold remedies.
Examples to Be Cautious With
- Ibuprofen: May irritate the stomach or affect kidney function, especially if used long-term or with blood pressure meds.
- Gaviscon or antacids: Can interfere with absorption of heart or thyroid medications.
- Herbal remedies: St John’s Wort and ginkgo can interfere with blood thinners, antidepressants, and epilepsy meds.
Smart Steps for Safe OTC Use
- Always read the label — even if it seems familiar.
- Check for interactions: Ask your pharmacist if your current prescriptions are affected.
- Keep a full list of everything you take, including supplements and vitamins.
- Never mix OTC sleep aids with prescription sedatives.
💬 Quick tip: If you’re unsure whether a medicine is suitable for your age or condition, don’t guess — ask.
💡 Surprise Prompt – Self-Check Exercise
“What’s in my kitchen, bathroom, or bedside drawer that I haven’t told my pharmacist about?”
List all the non-prescription tablets, ointments, or teas you regularly use. Bring the list to your next review. Building medicine awareness is a simple but powerful act of cognitive resilience.
🧠 Support Beyond the Prescription
Visit our Cognitive Resilience Hub to learn how digital tools and apps can help track supplements, OTC purchases, and medicine safety — especially when you’re managing multiple conditions.