Deck 27: Over-The Counter OTC Medications

Question 1

Which of the following statements is not true regarding OTC sleep aids?

A)Many sleep aids contain antihistamines.
B)Sleep aids cause drowsiness.
C)Many contain acetaminophen.
D)Sleep aids are approved for chronic insomnia.

Answer 1

D
Many OTC medications contain an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine to treat insomnia. Some OTC combination products also contain acetaminophen or magnesium salicylate to assist with nighttime pain relief if the insomnia is thought to be related to pain. OTC sleep aids are intended for transient insomnia and not for chronic use-generally for no longer than 2 weeks. Therefore those who are experiencing prolonged difficulties with sleeping should seek an evaluation by a physician.

Question 2

What is the generic name for Claritin?

A)Cetirizine
B)Fexofenadine
C)Diphenhydramine
D)Loratadine

Answer 2

D
The generic name for Claritin is loratadine.

Question 3

The only time a patient receiving Medicaid benefits is counseled about an over-the-counter (OTC) purchase is when:

A)He or she checks out at a register.
B)A physician writes a prescription for an OTC drug.
C)The patient requests counseling before purchasing.
D)Both B and C occurs.

Answer 3

D
Although federal law requires that pharmacists counsel Medicaid patients who are receiving new prescriptions, OTC medications do not fall into this category unless the prescription is written for the OTC item.

Question 4

If heartburn persists longer than __________, then a physician should be consulted to rule out the possibility of an ulcer.

A)2 weeks
B)2 months
C)6 months
D)1 year

Question 5

Which of the following is not a reason that people choose to purchase OTC products?

A)They think they know more than their physicians.
B)People who choose to purchase OTC products think they can save money.
C)They want to be involved in their own care.
D)OTC products are easier to obtain.

Question 6

Which condition cannot be treated with an OTC medication?

A)Headache
B)Muscle aches
C)High blood pressure
D)Arthritis

Question 7

Symptoms such as itching, hives, sneezing, and itchy and runny eyes should be treated with a(n):

A)Antihistamine
B)Decongestant
C)Combination antihistamine and decongestant
D)Analgesic

Question 8

Which one of the following statements is not true about chlorpheniramine?

A)Chlorpheniramine is marketed under the brand name Chlor-Trimeton.
B)It is a first generation antihistamine.
C)Chlorpheniramine does not cause drowsiness.
D)It is available OTC.

Question 9

Which of the following ingredients is associated with Reye syndrome?

A)Acetaminophen
B)Aspirin
C)Guaifenesin
D)Diphenhydramine

Question 10

What concern do pharmacists have about OTC drug use?

A)The OTC treatment may mask a more serious health issue.
B)The use of OTC medications will put pharmacists out of business.
C)Multiple OTC medications contain the same generic ingredients.
D)Both A and C are concerns.

Question 11

Which organ is at risk from an overdose of acetaminophen?

A)Lungs
B)Liver
C)Heart
D)Kidney

Question 12

Which of the following OTC ingredients is associated with next-day drowsiness and confusion and an increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults?

A)Acetaminophen
B)Aspirin
C)Diphenhydramine
D)Guaifenesin

Question 13

A drug that reduces fever is an:

A)Analgesic
B)Antiinflammatory
C)Antipyretic
D)Antitussive

Question 14

What is the most common ingredient in OTC acne preparations?

A)Miconazole
B)Tolnaftate
C)Benzoyl peroxide
D)Hydrocortisone

Question 15

OTC agents for throat pain commonly contain:

A)Menthol
B)Alcohol
C)Benzocaine
D)All of the above

Question 16

Which of the following conditions cannot be treated with OTC products?

A)Scratchy, dry throat
B)Congested cough
C)Dry cough
D)Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)

Question 17

Which of the following drug classifications is(are) not available OTC for allergy treatment?

A)Decongestants
B)Antihistamines
C)Analgesics
D)All are available OTC

Question 18

Which of the following OTC products can be used for constipation or diarrhea?

A)Docusate sodium
B)Psyllium
C)Bisacodyl
D)Senna

Question 19

What is the term for a food or a naturally occurring supplement thought to have a beneficial effect on human health?

A)Organic
B)Naturemed
C)Nutraceutical
D)Natural

Question 20

OTC medications that are also available as prescription formulations often have:

A)Lower strengths
B)Different indications for use
C)Different active ingredients
D)A and B

Question 21

New OTC products must go through FDA testing before approval. A final review is performed on the ingredients, and the public is able to give feedback during phase ____.

A)I
B)II
C)III
D)IV

Question 22

To what does the "D" in Claritin D refer?

A)Decongestant
B)Pseudoephedrine
C)Dextromethorphan
D)A and B

Question 23

Which OTC product can be ingested along with gas-producing foods to help neutralize gas production?

A)Simethicone
B)Alpha-galactosidase
C)Omeprazole
D)Tums

Question 24

Which of the following second-generation antihistamines are available in OTC strengths?

A)Claritin
B)Allegra
C)Zyrtec
D)All of the above

Question 25

Which of the following medications is not available in an OTC formulation?

A)Allegra
B)Prilosec
C)Lasix
D)MiraLAX

Question 26

Rebound congestion can occur with:

A)Afrin
B)Nasalcrom
C)Benadryl
D)Claritin

Question 27

Which of the following OTC sleep aids is an endogenous hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms?

A)Benadryl
B)Bio-Melatonin
C)Unisom
D)Tylenol PM

Question 28

Which of the following is(are) at a greater risk of medication errors with OTC products?

A)Young children
B)Older adults
C)Infants
D)All of the above

Question 29

Which of the following products need to be kept behind the counter attributable to restriction of sales?

A)Plan B
B)Sudafed
C)Claritin D
D)All of the above

Question 30

Some antacids affect the absorption of:

A)Tetracycline
B)Quinolone antibiotics
C)Levothyroxine
D)All of the above