The table below lists some over-the-counter medicines that may be prone to misuse
|
OTC medicine category |
Active ingredient |
Example of some brand names containing these active ingredients |
|---|---|---|
|
Opioid analgesics |
Dihydrocodeine, codeine |
Solpadeine Max, Nurofen Plus, Syndol, Paramol |
|
Laxatives |
Senna, bisacodyl |
Dulcolax tablets/suppositories, Senokot |
|
Stimulants |
Caffeine |
Pro-Plus, Panadol Extra |
|
Antihistamines |
Chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, promethazine |
Piriton, Nytol, Sominex |
|
Cough / cold preparations |
Dextromethorphan, pholcodine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine |
Sudafed Decongestant, Day Nurse, Benylin Dry Coughs (Original), Do-Do Chesteze |
Possible warning signs and symptoms of OTC abuse:
- Requesting large quantities
- Excessively frequent requests
- Theft from the pharmacy to prevent suspicion
- Appears uncomfortable / hostile when answering questions
- Becoming impatient / angry very quickly
- Displaying possible signs and symptoms of OTC drug abuse e.g. patient is underweight and requests laxatives