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Nonprescription medicines

Medicines a person can buy without a prescription are called nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. They may be taken to treat minor health problems at home.

Examples of over-the-counter medicines are acetaminophen, aspirin, antacids, decongestants, antihistamines, and laxatives.

It’s important to talk to the doctor about what medicines may not be safe to give children.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 1, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 01, 2008
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