Question 1

When obtaining a drug history from Harold, he gives you a complete list of his prescription medications. He denies taking any other drugs, but you find that he occasionally takes aspirin for his arthritis flare ups. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Many patients do not consider over-the-counter medications as important parts of their drug history. It is vital to ask about these medications to ensure safe and effective treatment. Harold's intermittent use of aspirin for his arthritis flare-ups can have an impact on his overall health and interactions with his other medications.

Question 2

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which is part of the 2006 U.S. Patriot Act:

Accepted Answer

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act restricts the sales of drugs that contain methamphetamine precursors, including a daily and 30-day limit on sales. This is aimed at curbing the production of methamphetamine by limiting the availability of its precursor chemicals. The other options (A, B, and C) are not true statements about the act.

Question 3

When prescribing a tetracycline or quinolone antibiotic it is critical to instruct the patient:

Accepted Answer

Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium can interfere with the absorption of tetracyclines and quinolones by chelating with them in the gut, decreasing their bioavailability. Therefore, patients should be instructed not to take antacids while on these medications.

Question 4

Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen:

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be harmful if taken in higher than recommended amounts, which can cause damage to the liver (in the case of acetaminophen) or stomach (in the case of ibuprofen). It’s important to always follow the recommended dosages listed on the packaging or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. While they are generally considered safe when taken appropriately, they can interact with certain prescription medications, so it’s important to check with a healthcare provider before taking them in combination with other drugs. Acetaminophen can be given to children, but the dosage must be adjusted based on their age and weight, and should always be given under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Question 5

Michael asks you about why some drugs are over-the-counter and some are prescription. You explain that in order for a drug to be approved for over-the-counter use the drug must:

Accepted Answer

For a drug to be approved for over-the-counter use, it must be safe and labeled for appropriate use, have a low potential for abuse or misuse and be taken for a condition the patient can reliably self-diagnose. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 6

As drugs near the end of their patent, pharmaceutical companies may apply for the drug to change to over-the-counter status in order to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of As drugs near the end of their...

Question 7

New over-the-counter drug ingredients must undergo the U.S. Food and Drug Administration New Drug Application process, just as prescription drugs do.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. New over-the-counter drug ingredients must undergo the FDA New Drug Application process, which involves clinical testing and evaluation of safety and effectiveness, just like prescription drugs.

Question 8

The ailment that generates the greatest over-the-counter annual drug sales is:

Accepted Answer

Cough and colds generate the highest over-the-counter annual drug sales.

Question 9

In the United States, over-the-counter drugs are regulated by:

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter drugs in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The FDA sets standards for safety, effectiveness, and labeling of these medications to ensure they can be safely used without a prescription.

Quiz 13: Over-The-Counter Medications