OTC studylist

what distinguishes an OTC or nonprescription drug from prescription drugs?

characteristics and pros/cons of the 5 OTC analgesics

Non-Narcotic Analgesics

    acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin (from the salicylate category)

    acetominophen (e.g. Tylenol or "aspirin-free" or "aspirin-substitute" analgesics)
        differences and similarities between acetominophen and aspirin

    ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Nuprin)
        differences and similarities between ibuprofen and aspirin

    naproxen sodium (e.g. Aleve) 

antipyretic

antiinflammatory

anticoagulant

prostaglandins and action of aspirin

cyclooxygenase (COX) and its variations (COX1 and COX2)

Reye's syndrome

tinnitus and other signs of aspirin overdose

"NSAIDS" and their main drawback

drug components found in cold/flu/allergy medications (what effect does each component have and generic name of an example)

characteristics, effects of, uses of, and disadvantages of the following categories of medications:

Antihistamines and what they do  (vs. histamine and its effects)

    chlorpheniramine

    diphenhydramine (e.g. in Benedryl or Tylenol PM)

    doxylamine (in Nyquil)

Decongestants

    phenylephrine

    pseudoephedrine

Antitussives

    dextromethorphan

    codeine

    diphenhydramine

Expectorant

    guaifenesin

OTC sleep aids like NoDoz

OTC motion sickness drugs

what is histamine?

other uses for antihistamines

difference between first-generation and second generation antihistamines

drug laws regulating medical drugs

Other OTC products : herbal remedies/dietary supplements

regulatory status of "dietary supplements"

cautions concerning dietary supplements