Common OTC Medications

• acetaminophen


  Tylenol
• diphenhydramine


  Benadryl
• ibuprofen


  Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
• actions of acetaminophen (Tylenol)


  analgesic and fever reducer
• indications for acetaminophen (Tylenol)


  relief of mild pain or fever, headache, muscle aches
• contraindications for acetaminophen (Tylenol)


  hypersensitivity
• routes of administration for acetaminophen (Tylenol)


  PO
• adverse effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol)


  allergic reaction
• interactions/administration concerns for acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • take caution to avoid potential overdosing
  • in many OTC meds
  • weight of child is more important than age
• actions of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)


  antihistamine (blocks histamine)
• indications for diphenhydramine(Benadryl)


  mild allergic reactions
• contraindications for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  • asthma
  • glaucoma
  • pregnancy
  • hypertension
  • infants
• routes of administration for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  PO
• interactions/administration concerns for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  • do not take w/ alcohol or MAO inhibitors (type of psychiatric meds)
  • can use in severe allergic reaction but epinephrine must be administered first
• adverse effects of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  • sleepiness (although can stimulate children)
  • dry mouth and throat
• dose for acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • adult: 500 to 1,000 mg every 4 hrs. as needed
  • pediatric: weight-based dose
• dose for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  25 to 50 mg
• actions for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  • NSAID that reduces inflammation and fever
  • analgesic
• indications for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)


  mild pain or fever, headache, muscle aches
• contraindications for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  hypersensitivity
• routes of administration for for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  PO
• adverse effects for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  • nausea/vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • bleeding
  • allergic reactions
• interactions/administration concerns for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  • do not take w/ aspirin
  • do not take for pain caused by trauma
  • weight of child is more important than age
• dose for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

  adult: 200 to 400 mg every 4-6 hrs.

  pediatric: dose is weight-based