Analgesics cold remedies

The principal OTC pharmaceutical products include cold remedies, vitamins and mineral preparations, antacids, analgesics, topical antibiotics, antiftingals and antiseptics, and laxatives. Others include suntan products, ophthalmic solutions, hemorrhoidal products, sleep aids, and dermatological products for treatment of acne, dandmff, insect parasites, bums, dry skin, warts, and foot care products (11). More recent prescription-to-OTC switches have included hydrocortisone, antihistamine and decongestant products, antiftingal agents, and, as of 1995, several histamine H2-receptor antagonists. 

The first limited list proposals were annoimced in November 1984 and proposed that a list of 31 products was adequate to meet all clinical needs in the seven therapeutic areas of indigestion remedies, laxatives, analgesics, cold and cough remedies, vitamin preparations, tonics and benzodiazepines. In the event, when the proposals became operational in April 1985, the initial list had been expanded to 129 products, and later to 160 products. The remaining products reimbursable on the NHS could only be dispensed if prescribed by their generic as opposed to their brand names. 

Example Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Actifed, Sudafed), phenylpropanolamine (Allerest, Dimetapp), phenylephrine HCK (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex), and pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed) frequently combined with an antihistamine, analgesic, or antitussive (anticough) in oral cold remedies Route Tablet, capsule, liquid Pregnancy category C Pharmacokinetic Absorbed by the GI tract, metabolized in liver and excreted in urine. Not removed by hemodialysis... 

Over-the-counter medications (OTCs) Medications that can be purchased in a pharmacy without a prescription (analgesics, laxatives, cold remedies, etc.). 

Caffeine is found in many drug preparations, both prescription and over-the-counter. Caffeine is present in drugs used as stimulants, pain relievers, diuretics, and cold remedies. When used as an analgesic adjuvant, the potency of the analgesic drug is significantly enhanced by the addition of caffeine. 

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol in other countries, is available widely without prescription as an analgesic and antipyretic. It is available in various oral dosage forms, including an extended-release preparation. Acetaminophen may be combined with other drugs, such as antihistamines or opioid analgesics, and marketed in cough and cold preparations, menstrual remedies, and allergy products. 

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