There are many potential hazards with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Encourage clients to read drug labels and follow checklists for remembering good practices when taking drugs.

You can also assist clients in the prevention of OTC interactions with other drugs by making the following recommendations:

• The client should know why he or she is taking the drug
• Encourage the client to read drug labels
• Advise the client to take only recommended doses as directed
• The client should talk to his or her healthcare providers or pharmacist before combining an OTC medicine with other OTCs or prescription drugs

Source: Stressed Out About Drug Interactions, HCPro Inc., 2007. For more information on our series of Stressed Out books, visit www.stressedoutnurses.com