Teens: Using Over-the-Counter Medications Wisely : Part 2

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 2)

Diet Pills

FDA recently banned 111 ingredients in OTC weight control products because they had not been proven effective. Among the substances were alcohol, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), caffeine, several forms of sugar, guar gum, phenacetin (a pain reliever), sodium, and yeast.

Two other ingredients in OTC diet products, benzocaine and phenylpropanolamine (PPA), are still being reviewed by FDA. PPA can increase blood pressure if taken at too high a dose. In fact, some experts think these products may cause problems for some people at the recommended doses.

Some cold and allergy medicines (both in pills and syrups) also contain PPA. Unless you read the ingredient labeling carefully when you're taking both cold and diet products, you may not realize that you're getting more PPA than is safe.

FDA will soon propose labeling for PPA diet products that states: "People between 12 and 18 years of age should not try this product without consulting a doctor. Not for use by children under 12 years of age."

Stomach Help

When your stomach gets upset, it's understandable that you want the quickest relief possible. But unless the problem continues for several days or is severe, drugs are usually not necessary.

If you're constipated, drinking more water, getting more exercise, and eating high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will often solve the problem.

Though appropriate for some medical conditions, laxatives can be habit forming and can make constipation worse when overused. Not having a bowel movement every day does not necessarily mean that you're constipated — for some people it's normal.

If you have diarrhea, it's a good idea to rest, eat only small amounts of food at a time, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. OTC products marketed to stop diarrhea may contain loperamide (Imodium A-D), or attapulgite (Diasorb, Kaopectate and others), or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and others). Teens should avoid products with bismuth subsalicylate if they have flu or chickenpox symptoms because of the risk of Reye syndrome mentioned earlier.

If you're running a fever above 100 F, or if your upset stomach symptoms are severe or continue for more than a day or two, consult your doctor, who may recommend one of the many OTC products available for these problems.

Rash Action

Because rashes can be caused by so many different things — including allergies, funguses, and poison oak or ivy — it's often best to get a doctor's opinion about what's causing your rash before treating it.

There are topical OTC products that you apply directly to the skin available specifically to treat poison ivy and oak. Some of these products contain calamine, which protects the skin, and benzocaine, which dulls the pain or itching. Other products contain an antihistamine or hydrocortisone, which relieve itching. Antihistamine creams, such as Benadryl, and hydrocortisone products, such as Cortaid and Caldecort, can also be used for rashes from allergies and insect bites, but you shouldn't use them for more than seven days without seeing a doctor.

Another type of skin problem, pimples or acne, can also be treated with topical OTC products. Many of these lotions (such as Clearasil products and Oxy-5 and -10) contain benzoyl peroxide in strengths of 2.5, 5, or 10 percent. It's best to try the lower dosage level first, to keep your skin from getting too dry.

FDA has called for more safety studies on benzoyl peroxide because of concern about what happens when skin treated with it is exposed to the sun. Until research can establish or disprove a possible skin cancer link to the use of benzoyl peroxide products, the agency plans to require an extra warning and directions on the labeling:

"When using this product, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen."

"If going outside, use a sunscreen. Allow [product name] to dry, then follow directions in the sunscreen labeling. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use of both products and consult a doctor."

Other products (including some Clearasil and Oxy products) contain sulfur, sulfur combined with resorcinol, or salicylic acid. (There is no known association between Reye syndrome and the use of topical acne products containing salicylates.) If your face doesn't clear up while using these products, or if your skin gets overly dry or breaks out in a rash, contact your doctor.

Expert Advice

These are just a few of the types of products available over the counter. Their number and uses can be confusing to adults and teens alike. Before buying any product you haven't already used, it's best to read the labeling and, if possible, ask the pharmacist how the product works and what it should be used for. And, if still in doubt, check with your doctor.

Products Containing Salicylates

The following products don't have aspirin in their brand names but they contain aspirin or other salicylates and shouldn't be taken by teens who have symptoms of flu or chickenpox unless told to do so by a doctor. (Ingestion of salicylates during these illnesses increases children's and teens' risk of Reye syndrome.)

• Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Antacid and Pain Reliever (also the extra-strength version)
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
• Anacin Maximum Strength Analgesic Coated Tablets
• Ascriptin A/D Caplets (also the regular and extra-strength versions)
• BC Powder
• BC Cold Powder Multi-Symptom Formula
• BC Cold Powder Non-Drowsy Formula
• Bayer Children's Cold Tablets
• Bufferin (all formulations)
• Excedrin Extra-Strength Analgesic Tablets and Caplets
• Pepto-Bismol
• Ursinus Inlay-Tabs
• Vanquish Analgesic Caplets

In addition, many products to treat arthritis contain aspirin.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.