Health / Medicine

Health / Medicine - Supplements, Capsules, Tablets - Oral and Topical Medicines & Painkillers

Health and over-the-counter medicines are pharmaceuticals which are distributed directly to customers without the need of a doctor’s prescription. Also known as OTC drugs, in most countries they are subjected to regulatory oversight to verify their ingredients and guarantee safety. They are popular among consumers and are widely considered the first line of defence against moderate illness, and have been used by more than eighty percent of the population. While the specific regulations may vary by country, it is generally accepted that this medicine does not face the same scrutiny that comes with prescription drugs, which require greater oversight.

The regulation of OTC medications is based on the active pharmaceutical additives they contain. This gives manufacturers greater freedom to formulate components and proprietary mixtures.These medications are divided into two categories, which is GSL, or General Sales List, which includes any medicine which is sold from the shelf without requiring licensed pharmacy training, and Pharmacy Medicine. GSL medicine can be sold virtually anywhere, and is commonly found in supermarkets. GSL medications include brands such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, laxatives, skin creams and anti-allergy pills, which when taken as directed are safe for the majority of consumers.

Pharmacy Medicine isn’t considered prescription or GSL drugs. Also known as P medications, they are sold by counter assistants who have received some training and a pharmacist may make an inquiry to determine if the product is suitable. The best examples of P medicines include painkillers, codeine, Nytol and deworming pills.

Over-the-counter medication is typically used to address conditions which do not require direct supervision from a physician. The majority of these drugs have a low abuse potential, meaning it is difficult or nearly impossible for these products to become habit forming. Prescription medications which prove to be reliable and safe for a period of three to six years are sometimes reclassified as OTC, at which point they can be purchased off the shelf without a prescription. One example of this is Benadryl (diphenhydramine), the now famous anti-histamine which in the past needed a prescription.

McDaid Pharmacy carries a large assortment of over-the-counter medications. This includes Cetrine Allergy Relief, Migraleve Pink Migraine Tablets, Anbesol Mouth Ulcer Liquid, and Emazole Control (Gastro-Resistant Tablets). All of these products have been reviewed and tested to guarantee safety and efficacy and are competitively priced.