Guide to Over-the-counter (OTC) Medicines: What You Need to Know

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications play an important role in modern healthcare. They allow people to manage everyday health problems without needing a doctor’s prescription. Although these medicines are easy to access, they must still be used with awareness and care. This guide explains what OTC medicines are, how they are regulated in different countries—especially Ghana—and what you need to know to use them safely.

What Are OTC Medicines?

OTC medicines are drugs that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. They are designed to treat common and mild conditions, such as:

• Headaches, muscle aches, and fever 
• Colds, coughs, and allergies
• Digestive issues like heartburn, diarrhoea, or constipation
• Minor skin irritations, fungal infections, and acne
• Occasional sleep or motion-sickness problems

These medicines can provide quick relief and help people manage temporary symptoms, but “easy to get” does not mean “risk-free.”

How OTC Medicines Are Regulated

Regulation varies by country, but the goal is always to ensure that medicines are safe, effective, and used properly.

Ghana (FDA Ghana & National Drug Policy)

Ghana’s medicine regulatory framework—guided by the FDA Ghana and the National Drug Policy—covers:

• Drug supply and distribution
• Registration and quality assurance
• Local pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Rational and safe use of medicines
• Regulation of medicine advertisement and promotion

The overarching goal is to ensure that all people in Ghana have access to good-quality, safe, effective, and affordable medicines used responsibly. Mismanagement—such as poor-quality or inappropriately used medicines—can cause serious health and social consequences.

United States (MedlinePlus / FDA)

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews and approves OTC medicines to ensure they are safe when used as directed.
• Some medicines are allowed OTC only if they meet strict standards for ingredients, dosage, labelling, and consumer instructions.

Australia (Healthdirect)

Australia groups OTC medicines into three regulatory categories:

1. General Sale – Can be sold in supermarkets or general stores.
2. Pharmacy Medicines – Must be sold in a pharmacy.
3. Pharmacist-Only Medicines – Require consultation with a pharmacist before purchase.

General Global Perspective (Drugs.com / U.S. Monographs)

• Many OTC medicines follow established drug monographs, which outline approved ingredients, uses, dosages, and safety rules.
• Medicines outside monographs must undergo individual evaluation before being sold.

Across all systems worldwide, pharmacists play a crucial role in guiding safe use.

Benefits of OTC Medicines

OTC medicines offer several important advantages:

• Convenience: Quick access to relief for routine health issues.
• Cost savings: Eliminates the need for a doctor’s visit for minor problems.
• Empowerment: Helps individuals manage their own health.
• Wider availability: Accessible in pharmacies, supermarkets, and community outlets.

Risks and Misconceptions

Even though OTC medicines are widely available, they carry important risks.

1. Side Effects

Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, stomach irritation, or allergic reactions. These are usually mild but can be serious in some cases.

2. Drug Interactions

OTC medicines may interact with:

• Prescription drugs
• Herbal or vitamin supplements
• Alcohol or certain foods

These interactions may reduce effectiveness or cause harm.

3. Overuse and Misuse

Examples include:

• Taking too many pain relievers
• Using cold medicines longer than recommended
• Taking multiple medicines containing the same active ingredient (e.g., paracetamol/acetaminophen)

4. Health Conditions That Affect Safety

People with heart, liver, kidney, or stomach issues must be especially cautious.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should always consult a health professional before taking OTC drugs.

5. Risks in Children

Children are more vulnerable to dosing mistakes. Always measure liquid medicines with a proper dosing tool—not household spoons.

How to Use OTC Medicines Safely

1. Read the Label Carefully

A medicine label tells you:

• Active ingredients
• Purpose and uses
• Warnings
• Directions for dosing
• Possible side effects

Never ignore the warnings section.

2. Know What You Are Already Taking

Many OTC products share similar ingredients. Doubling up can be dangerous.

3. Ask a Pharmacist When Unsure

Pharmacists can help you choose safe options and avoid interactions—especially if you have other health problems or take prescription medicines.

4. Follow Dosing Instructions Exactly

More is not better. Exceeding recommended doses can cause serious complications.

5. Store and Dispose of Medicines Properly

• Keep medicines out of children’s reach.
• Do not use expired medicines.
• Follow local guidelines for safe disposal.

Examples of Common OTC Categories

• Pain relievers: paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen
• Cold and allergy relief: antihistamines, decongestants
• Digestive aids: antacids, anti-diarrhoeal medicines, laxatives
• Skin treatments: antifungal creams, hydrocortisone creams
• Eye and ear care: lubricating eye drops, earwax softeners

Because each category contains multiple brands and strengths, reading labels is essential.

When to See a Doctor

OTC medicines do not replace professional medical care. Seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms worsen or don’t improve within the recommended time
• You experience severe or unusual side effects
• Symptoms keep returning
• You’re unsure which medicine is appropriate

Conclusion

OTC medicines are an important part of everyday healthcare. They can help manage minor illnesses, offer quick relief, and ease pressure on health systems. But their convenience must be balanced with careful and informed use.

By understanding labels, knowing your own health conditions, and consulting pharmacists when needed, you can use OTC medicines safely and effectively. When used wisely, OTC medicines are powerful tools for supporting health and well-being.