Over the Counter Drugs(OTC)

ACTIVITY 1A and 1B

PRE-TEST – Complete the pre-test to the best of your ability

Discuss as a class.

VocabularyComplete the drug vocabulary and add the following words toyour vocab list: Laxatives – a substance that stimulates evacuation of the bowels

Diuretics - a substance that stimulates excretion of fluids

Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there. Distortions in perceptions of time and space.

Discuss: FDA – Food and Drug Administration – Federal Government

Department that regulates the safety and effectiveness of medications and foods.

CDER – Center for Drug Evaluation and Research – Department within the FDA that deals specifically with Drugs.

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Misuse Drug abuse – intentional use of a

drug only for the experience or feeling it causes.

Drug misuse – incorrect use of a drug or using a drug to treat an illness that it is not designed to treat. Not intentional.

How Drugs Enter the Bloodstream

Activity SA-45

How Drugs Enter the Bloodstream (SA45) Use the word bank to fill in the

blanks

Each word is used only once

Discuss as a class.

Abusing Over-the-Counter Drugs

Video

ConsequencesActivity 7B

Choose an action from the following list: (7B) Being late to babysit for your brother

so your mother can go to work. Sneaking out after curfew. Driving your family car without

permission Drinking and driving. Chugging cough syrup with some

friends. Cheating on your math test. Stealing a pack of gum from the

store.

Describe the Ripple Effects (7B)Write the action you chose in the

center circle.

In each of the bubbles write one of the ripple effects of your action. For

example, your family life could be affected, there could be financial

implications, legal implications, etc.

Prescription vs. OTCPRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Medicines that are available only with a prescription

Used to treat disease or condition that is serious enough to require a doctors supervision

Must be proven safe for use by the FDA

OTC Medicines that can be

purchased without a prescription

Must be proven safe for use by the FDA

Drugs whose: Potential for abuse is low Can be used by consumers

for self-diagnosed conditions

Doctor’s supervision is not needed for their safe and effective use

Common examples of Non-prescription stimulants

More effects on the body: Caffeine – increased or abnormal heart rate,

nervousness, excitement, insomnia, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, addiction, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms.

Laxatives - dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In dieters: fainting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances [ ex: low potassium can cause paralysis, irregular heartbeat and death] Long term use can result in chronic diarrhea, pain and constipation and possible loss of colon function.

Common examples of Non-prescription depressants Dextromathorphan – the most

abused Non-prescription depressant Effects vary depending on the dose:▪ Euphoria, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,

headache, confusion, lethargy▪ Higher doses – hallucinations, feelings of

detachment from your body (PCP and Ketamine).▪ Irregular heart-beat, high blood pressure, loss

of coordination and consciousness, seizures, brain damage, death.

In The NewsActivity 9

In The News Read the 2 scenarios. Both of them are true. Choose one of the two teens involved (Jennifer

or Jon) and write a letter, from the perspective of a concerned friend, trying to get them to stop abusing OTC drugs.

When writing the letter, assume Jennifer or Jon are still alive and you are trying to convince them to stop before something bad happens.

Use facts and information that you have learned in class and from the video to support your plea.

The dangers of Aspirin

Aspirin should not be taken by children under the age of 19 due to the possibility of Reye’s syndrome.

Reye’s syndrome can cause brain damage, liver damage and death.

Aspirin can exist in products under the name ‘salicylates’ or ‘acetylsalicylates’

Drug Facts Label (Fact Sheet 6) Review Fact Sheet 6

Discuss the format that the FDA requires on all OTC medicine labels.

What are ‘Dietary Supplements’?

They are products that are taken by mouth They contain one or more dietary

ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals or herbs

They are intended to supplement the diet They are not regulated for safety and

effectiveness by the FDA Ephedra – supplement that was sold for years

until proven that it was unsafe and caused several deaths.

Common examples of Supplements

The following examples act as stimulants:

Ephedra – nervousness, insomnia, tremors, kidney stones, increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and sudden death.

Bitter orange – similar to ephedra. Children – in large amounts – stomach pains, convulsions, death. Can inhibit the metabolism of the drug dextromethorphan allowing it to build up in dangerous levels in the body when both are taken together.

Ginseng – nervousness and excitability, asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations. Overdose – sleeplessness, muscle tension and swelling or fluid retention.

Common examples of Supplements

The following example acts as a depressant:

Kava similar effects to those of alcohol Evidence of severe liver damage

Supplement Facts Label (Fact Sheet 7)

Review Fact Sheet 7

Discuss The Supplement Facts Label FDA does not have pre-marketing control

over quality, safety and effectiveness Recently have required certain standard

information on the labels, similar to nutrition facts labels on food.

Current Health Teen, October, 2010 “Buyer Beware” Buyer Beware Current Health article questions.docx

Activity

Read the Label (Activity 10A) ACTIVITY 10A - READ THE LABEL

Use the labels provided to answer the questions for Activity 10A.

Review - Safe Use of Over the Counter Drugs and supplements Always read the label. Know the active ingredient Don’t overlook the inactive ingredients listed –

especially for those with allergies to food coloring and other chemicals.

Always follow the directions carefully Understand the potential interactions – with food,

alcohol other medications or existing medical conditions.

Be informed – ask questions if you don’t understand something about the product you are taking.

Check expiration dates!

What can I do if a friend is abusing OTC drugs? Be a friend, listen to them Share what you know about drugs This could become a life or death situation. Seek

help from: A counselor Teacher Relative Clergy member

Call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information – 800-729-6686 for info and treatment referrals

Proper disposal

Do not flush!

Bring to a drug take-back program

Review for OTC and dietary supplements test

Complete - OTC drugs True or False Complete - Activity 3A – Test your

knowledge of OTC drugs and dietary supplements – True or False

Review - Guidelines for the Responsible Use of OTC Drugs

Prescription Drugs

Activity 4A – Test your knowledge

Pre-test – Complete Activity 4A to the best of your ability

Review as a class.

“Legal” but DeadlyVideo

Prescription Drug Use, Dependence and Addiction Read and review Fact Sheet 5 as a

class Read and review Fact Sheet 7 as a

class

Current Health Teen, September 2009A Prescription for Trouble, Abusing prescription drugs is dangerous.

Activity

Guidelines for Responsible Use of Prescription Drugs Read and Review Guidelines for

Responsible Use of Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drug Labels

Discuss the information that the FDA requires on Prescription Drug Labels.