title: Review article: over-the-counter drugs and the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: An increasing number of drugs are becoming available over-the-counter, empowering patients to treat them- selves. Although drugs presently available over-the-counter are generally safe, there are issues of safety and possible delays in diagnosis of serious conditions. Therefore it is vital that patients are made aware of the indications and limitations of over-the-counter drugs through improved communication and education. Pharmacists and drug companies will have an increasingly important role in giving information and advice to patients. This review looks at the present and future of over-the-counter medication, highlighting the safety aspects.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Fellow, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Sheen
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Colin-Jones
mesh_terms: D000863:Antacids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004348:Drug Labeling; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D002400:Cathartics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs