Over-the-Counter Medicines: Reading the Active Ingredient
Pharmacy shelves carry a large number of products aimed at specific complaints, and a much smaller number of active ingredients.
The pattern
Products branded for headache, back pain, period pain and cold relief frequently contain the same standard analgesic at the same dose.
The targeted version usually costs considerably more than the plain one.
Own-brand versions of the same ingredient at the same dose cost less again.
Compare the active ingredient and its quantity, which appears on the pack, rather than the claim on the front.
Combination products
Cold and flu remedies frequently combine an analgesic with a decongestant and sometimes other ingredients.
The risk is taking a combination product alongside a separate analgesic and exceeding the safe dose of the shared ingredient without realising.
This is a genuine cause of harm rather than a theoretical one. Read what is in each product before combining them.
Doses and formats
Higher-strength versions of the same ingredient exist and are sometimes better value per dose, subject to appropriate use.
Dissolvable, capsule, liquid and standard tablet formats differ in price substantially and frequently deliver the same ingredient. Dissolvable forms may act slightly faster and may contain significant salt.
Children's formulations are dosed by age or weight and should not be improvised from adult products.
When to ask the pharmacist
Pharmacists are accessible clinical professionals and consultation is free.
Ask before combining products, when taking regular prescribed medicines, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and for children.
Some over-the-counter medicines interact with common prescriptions, including blood thinners and blood pressure medicines.
Buying sensibly
Larger packs are cheaper per dose where you will use them before expiry, and pack size limits apply to some medicines.
Check expiry dates on anything kept in a household cupboard, and dispose of old medicines at a pharmacy rather than in household waste.
Keep a written list of everything anyone in the household takes regularly, which makes these decisions quicker and safer.
General information only; this is not medical advice. Consult a pharmacist or doctor about your own circumstances.
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