Self-prescribed and self-administered drugs available without a physician's prescription

• Stimulants
• Weight Control drugs
• Sleep Aids
• Analgesics
• Cold/flu/allergy meds
• Antacids
• Topical compounds
• Toothpaste with fluoride

• GRAS - generally recognized as safe
• GRAE - generally recognized as effective
• GRAHL - generally recognized as honestly labeled

• Category I - ingredient is GRAS and GRAE
• Category II - ingredient is not GRAS and/or GRAE. Manufacturer has 6 months to prove safety and effectiveness or cannot ship the drug in interstate commerce
• Category III - ingredient has insufficient data on safety and effectiveness. Manufacturer has 1 year to prove GRAS or ingredient is placed in Category II.

• OTC stimulants can only contain caffeine (100 - 200 mgs)
• Mail order stimulants may contain ephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

• All weight control products contain 75 mg of PPA as their active ingredient per dose
• Many brands are made by the same company

• Used to include scopolamine and antihistamine
• Now include contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine in 25 mg dosages

• The term means "without pain"
• Generally meant to relieve mild to moderate "Somatic Pain" (pain related to muscles, bones, sprains, headaches, etc.)

• Acetylsalicyclic acid has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Works by blocking the production of prostoglandins
• Side effects: GI bleeding; increased blot clotting time, increased production of viruses for those who have a cold or other infection; Reye's Syndrome
• Overdose is best diagnosed by ringing in the ears

• A non anti-inflammatory analgesic.
• Also reduces fever.
• Believed to be safer than aspirin as long as dosage limits are not exceeded

• An NSAID
• Strong anti-inflammatory drug, used to treat pain and arthritis.
• Not listed as an effective anipyretic
• Can cause stomach bleeding, nausea and GI pain, possible liver damage with long term use

• Antihistamines - Most common is chlorpheniramine maleate.
• Decongestants - common ones are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
• Cough Suppressants - such as dextromethorphan

• Calcium Carbonate (associated with acid rebound)
• Aluminum hydroxide (can cause constipation)
• Magnesium hydroxide (is both a laxative and antacid)
• Contraceptives
• Oral contraceptives, condoms, spermicides, and implanted drugs are regulated by the FDA