Over-the-Counter Analgesics: What Nurse Practitioners Need to Know

• Review of the more common over-the-counter analgesics.
• Describe mechanisms of action.
• Review potential drug interactions.
• Discuss approach to patient management, including special patient groups.

Many patients and health care practitioners are unaware that over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics can cause potentially serious adverse effects when used in combination with other common medications and in certain patient populations. Recently, there has been a call from the United States Food and Drug Administration, consumer groups, and specialty medical groups for safer use of OTC analgesics. This article reviews the more common OTC analgesics, mechanisms of action, potential drug interactions, and approach to patient management, with consideration of special patient groups.