II. Precautions
- OTC Drug Naming is Confusing
- Manufacturers exploit well known product trade names to market different combination agents
- Flonase Headache and Allergy Relief is NOT fluticasone, but rather: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine
- Zantac 360 is NOT Ranitidine, but rather Famotidine, and the 360 is unrelated to dosing
- Dramamine is often NOT Dimenhydrinate, but often rather Meclizine
- Dulcolax is either Bisacodyl (tabs), Docusate (liquid gels) or Magnesium Hydroxide (soft chews)
- Combination products often contain a mix of agents with increased adverse risks (often without significant benefit)
- Acetaminophen with risk of cummulative Overdose (combining multiple agents)
- Decongestants (e.g. oral Phenylephrine) which may exacerbate Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Sedating Antihistamines (Fall Risk in older adults, see STOPP)
III. References
- (2023) Presc Lett 30(4): 23