10 OTC Medications and Products You’re Using All Wrong

Just because you can buy a medication over the counter doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Here’s how you should really be using these common drugstore buys.

OTC medication mistakes you may be guilty of

The pharmacy has tons of products available over-the-counter—everything from antacids for your belly, cold and allergy drugs for your airways, to sunscreen for your skin. If you’re a routine user of any of these medications, you should keep your doctor and your pharmacist aware—not all OTC medications play nice with prescription drugs. Make sure to always read the directions for anything you buy, and check below for the most common mistakes people make.

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Multi-symptom cold and flu medication

Cough syrups and cold-and-flu medications can be downright confusing. Many even use the same ingredients just in different packaging, causing someone to mistakenly buy two different brands of medication thinking they’re different when in reality they’re the same. “These OTC treatments that promise to relieve sneezing, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and more can lead to overdosage faster than you think,” says Michelle Yagoda, MD, facial plastic surgeon, ENT and voice care professional. “This could raise blood pressure, exacerbate asthma, and cause urinary retention.” Although not all medications carry that risk, to be safe, read the active ingredients list to compare products, take each medication separately and at the correct dose for your symptoms and avoid medications (and side effects) that you don’t want or need. Be sure to measure out each dose carefully (including liquids) and do not take more often than recommended in the instructions, suggests Dr. Yagoda. Also note that many multi-symptom cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol (more on that below). You can also try these 10 natural remedies for cold and flu that really work.

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NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can work wonders when it comes to eliminating headaches or muscle pain, but they’re not meant to be used on the regular. “While these medications are great for reducing pain and inflammation, they can also cause problems like gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney failure if used too frequently,” says Kristine Arthur, MD, internist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking them to be sure your kidney function is up to par, and if you’re taking them long-term, you may need to add a medication to protect your stomach lining from developing an ulcer.” It’s also best to avoid using these medications right before bedtime, as they’re meant to be taken with a meal ideally no later than dinnertime. Make sure you know these other 17 medication mistakes that could make you sick.

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Tylenol/acetaminophen

While this medication can help with pain and bring down a fever, there is a safe limit—too much can become toxic, especially to your liver. “You should not be taking Tylenol regularly if you have liver disease and you need to be sure you pay careful attention to the total amount you take in a day,” says Dr. Arthur. “This includes the amounts that may result in the use of combination medications such as cold and flu meds.” The same goes for the PM versions—for both Tylenol and Advil. Many people rely on them to sleep better even when they have no pain or cause for concern. “This can lead to kidney or liver problems when taken long-term,” she says. If you have trouble sleeping, check your sleep hygeine or consider talking to a sleep specialist.

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Sleep aids

The two main sleep aids you’ll find at your drugstore, diphenhydramine and doxylamine, can be helpful for short-term use, but only at their recommended doses. “If you can’t sleep after taking one and decide to take two, it may actually have the opposite effect,” says Dr. Arthur. “This can result in palpitations, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and sweating.” In other words, two pills won’t work better or even just as good as one. The supplement melatonin is another sleep aid that needs to be used correctly, as too many brands recommend a dosage that’s too high. “If used for an extended period of time, melatonin can affect the natural production of the hormone, so it’s best to start at the lowest dose available and speak to your doctor before upping your amount,” she says. Here are signs that you really do need sleep medication.

Antacids
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Antacids

These drugs work wonders for relieving heartburn or gastrointestinal discomfort from eating certain foods or acidic beverages, but they should not be used daily—especially without your doctor’s permission. “Using an occasional chewable antacid over the counter is fine, but if you’re needing them daily see your doctor, as you may need a stronger medication such as a proton pump inhibitor,” says Dr. Arthur. “The need for daily use can also signal a stomach ulcer or more severe problem.” And remember: It is possible to overdose on these types of chewable tablets due to their high calcium content, which could lead to kidney stones, constipation and kidney failure, so avoid popping them like candy at all costs. Avoid these other 10 medication mistakes that hurt your health.

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Nasal sprays

While they seem harmless and helpful when you have a stuffy nose, nasal sprays are frequently overused, especially during allergy season. “Regular use of medicated nasal sprays can cause chronic problems with the nasal passage, such as bleeding, ulcer, and even glaucoma or cataracts with extended use,” says Dr. Arthur. Instead, use them only as needed and ask your doctor if you’re still experiencing persistent problems with your ability to breathe clearly. Try one of these 12 remedies for a stuffy nose.

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Diuretics

Whether you want to debloat before an important event or reduce pesky symptoms of PMS, relying on the use of diuretics like water pills on a consistent basis can cause serious problems such as kidney failure and severe electrolyte disturbances like low potassium. “This can even lead to health concerns as large as heart arrhythmias,” says Dr. Arthur. “If you have problems with chronic bloating or leg swelling, it’s important to notify your doctor to be sure there is not a serious problem going on.”

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Antiperspirants

If you’re used to applying your deodorant directly after you shower, it’s time to switch up your routine. “Antiperspirants are more effective when applied to dry skin,” says Fayne L. Frey, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon. “This is because they work by creating a protein plug within the sweat gland, thus preventing that gland from releasing sweat, and cannot effectively do this when the skin is wet.” Instead, lather on your deodorant once your underarm area is dry and your sweat glands are not worked up. Check out 49 more secrets your pharmacist won’t tell you.

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Sunscreen

It’s common to think of applying your sunscreen just before you go to the beach or if you know you’ll be spending the day outdoors, but experts say this is only protecting you from half the exposure you experience. “Most individuals get more sun exposure incidentally, heading to and from their car when shopping, going to the post office, walking the dog, checking the mailbox, doing yard work, etc.,” says Dr. Frey. “Therefore, sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin daily such as the face, neck, and back of the hands, regardless of what the forecast.” Find out what other sunscreen mistakes you’re making.

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Cotton swabs

You’ve probably been using these handy ear-wax cleaners since you were little, but, chances are, you haven’t been doing it the right way. “Many people stick them all the way into the ear canal to scratch certain itches they think they’re feeling that deep,” says Dr. Yagoda. “Not only is this ear wax back there good for you, but putting a cotton swab anywhere close to your eardrum can cause serious—and even permanent—damage.” Plus, doing so may actually even push the earwax even deeper into your ear canal. Instead, stick to the lower half of the ear only and not deep inside.

Sources
  • Michelle Yagoda, MD, facial plastic surgeon, ENT and voice care professional
  • Kristine Arthur, MD, internist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California
  • Fayne L. Frey, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon
Medically reviewed by Kristyn Williamson, PharmD, BCACP, on March 30, 2020

Jenn Sinrich
Jenn Sinrich is an experienced digital and social editor in New York City. She's written for several publications including SELF, Women's Health, Fitness, Parents, American Baby, Ladies' Home Journal, and more. She covers topics from health, fitness, and food to pregnancy and parenting. In addition to writing, Jenn volunteers with Ed2010, serving as the deputy director to Ed's Buddy System, a program that pairs recent graduates with young editors to give them a guide to the publishing industry and to navigating New York. When she's not busy writing, editing, or reading, she's enjoying and discovering the city she's always dreamed of living in with her fiancé, Dan, and two feline friends, Janis and Jimi.