Non-prescription drugs are all around us. We interact with them on a daily basis, whether it’s in the form of a medication, a hormone, an agricultural chemical, or an herbal remedy. Some people even consider Vitamin C to be a non-prescription drug because of its extensive use and effectiveness in fighting infections and cancers. While there’s no denying the influence of non-prescription drugs, the exact definition of this category can vary from product to product, with the potential for some to be more effective than others.
What Is a Non-Prescription Drug?
The FDA defines non-prescription drugs as those that are not officially recommended by a health care professional but are instead used to treat common health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Non-prescription drugs do not need to be approved by the FDA to be sold in the United States, but they do need to be marketed with a legitimate and sufficient claim that they can treat, diagnose, or prevent a disease. These drugs can then be sold to the general public with minimal regulation provided by the FDA. While non-prescription drugs are legal to sell in the U.S., they are not necessarily considered ‘safe’ or ‘suitable for everyone’, especially when used alone or in combination with other medications.
When Do You Need to Start Seeing Results From Your Non-Prescription Drug?
This varies from product to product and depends on individual circumstances, but generally speaking you should start seeing results from your non-prescription drug around the time you begin experiencing improvement in your condition. Remember that not all effects will manifest immediately. For instance, if you’re taking an antibiotic for an infection, it may take a while for the medicine to work against the bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, you may not start to see results until long after you’ve begun taking the medication. We also need to point out that not all non-prescription drugs are created equal. Some may require several weeks or months of daily use before you begin to experience beneficial effects, while others may provide results immediately. You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist about which product is best suited to your needs.
How Do You Take Your Non-Prescription Drug?
Non-prescription drugs are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Your preferred method of administration will depend on your doctor’s advice and the nature of your condition. If, for example, you have heart disease and are taking a medication to lower your cholesterol, you might be advised to take it on an empty stomach in the morning to maximize its effects. We also need to point out that the effectiveness of a non-prescription drug is not necessarily determined by its appearance. For instance, if you’re taking an antibiotic and it’s presented in a tablet form, this does not mean that it’s necessarily more effective than an alternative antibiotic in liquid form. Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you of which form is best suited to your needs based on your condition and on other factors, like the presence of certain substances in your blood that may interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of the drug. However, we can generally say that tablets and capsules are more effective than liquids for oral administration because of their convenience and ease of use. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all manufacturers are created equal. Some companies put a lot of ‘stretch’ molecules into their products which can improve the effectiveness of the drug. If you’re purchasing a non-prescription drug from a reputable company, you can be sure that you’re getting quality products which have been shown to be efficacious in clinical trials.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking a Non-Prescription Drug?
While it’s always best to ask your doctor about the potential side effects of a new medication, you can also find this information in the product’s literature. Simply Google the drug’s name along with ‘side effects’ and you’ll find a plethora of information, including common and unknown side effects. For instance, if you’re taking an antibiotic for an infection, you need to be aware that the medicine could potentially cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort due to its activity against the bacteria commonly found in the digestive system. A lot of the time, you don’t need to be particularly concerned about side effects because most medications have extremely favorable toleration profiles. In many cases, people just need to get used to the idea of taking a medication because the benefits usually outweigh the risks. When in doubt, ask your doctor.
In some cases, especially when you’re taking a drug for a long period of time, the side effects can become more significant. For instance, in patients with liver disease or dysfunction, the hepatotoxic side effects of some medications, like alcohol and certain antibiotics, become more prominent and can lead to severe cirrhosis and possibly even liver cancer. In these cases, you should certainly consult with your doctor about alternative treatments.
Depending on your doctor’s advice and the nature of your condition, you may need to start seeing results from your non-prescription drug around the time you begin experiencing improvement in your condition or a little later. If you’re not experiencing positive results after a reasonable period of time, it could be a sign that the medication is not appropriate for you or that you need to change brands or formulations. In some cases, this can be due to a nutrient deficiency or an infection which is not responding to treatment. It is also possible that the medicine is just not strong enough to begin with or that you’re not using it properly. Under no circumstances should you discontinue medication treatment without consulting with your doctor first.