The difference between drugs that doctor prescribes and OTC drugs. There are two types of drugs, the one where doctors prescribe (prescription drugs) and the one where you can buy at drug stores or pharmacies called OTC drugs. The doctor suggests the former after he checks the patient and depending on the patient's condition and symptoms prescribes a drug. The drug is often stronger and therefore must be handled with care. On the other hand, OTC drugs are made with the premise that people will decide by themselves whether they will buy it or not, therefore, effectiveness and safety are both taken into account so that content and strength of the drug is adjusted.
Things to consider when buying OTC drugs:
To start with first mention to the drug store pharmacist 1) your symptoms, 2) your allergy experiences, 3) drugs you are currently using, and 4) whether you are pregnant or not. Ask the pharmacist to select a few candidate drugs and than you can decide which one you want. Please, make it a habit to consult a pharmacist before you buy a drug.
Things to keep in mind, when using OTC drugs:
Normally, OTC drugs are taken in the beginning of an illness. Some examples of these instances are, when your condition doesn't require you to go to a hospital, like initial stages of a cold, a light headache, overeating, or a diarrhea. When your condition doesn't improve please, consult with an apothecary, pharmacist or a doctor. For example, when your fever stays high or when your stomachache continues for a few days, try to make it a habit to immediately visit your local physician and get it checked. As for an infant, don't consider the situation is the same as for an adult, and visit a physician as quickly as possible.
