March Health Tip

Driving and the Use of Over-the-Counter Medications

For most people, driving represents freedom, control and independence. For many people, driving is important economically – some drive as part of their job or to get to and from work.

More than 43,000 Americans are killed in traffic accidents every year. However, some of these accidents might have been prevented if people were aware of the dangers of impaired driving caused by many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Our ability to drive safely can be affected by changes in our physical, emotional and mental condition. The more medicines you use, the greater your risk that your medicines will affect your ability to drive safely. Many individuals also take herbal supplements.

People use variety of medications that can alter their ability to drive:

• Anti allergy medication - Benadryl®, Chlor-Trimeton®
• Motion sickness - Dramamine®
• Cough and cold medication- Tavist®, Actifed®
• Sleep aids- Tylenol® PM, Simply Sleep®
• Stomach upset - Zantac®, Pepcid®
• Jet leg medication- Melatonin
• Pain medication- Advil®, Aleve®

Some of these medicines and supplements may cause a variety of reactions that may make it more difficult for you to drive a car safely. These reactions may include:

• sleepiness
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• slowed movement
• fainting
• inability to focus or pay attention
• nausea

Reading labels carefully before purchasing an OTC medication is important .  Over-the-counter drug labels provide helpful information for the safe and effective use of various medications. However, it is important to read over-the-counter medication labels and follow directions carefully.

• Read the label for the following information:

• Medication Use
• Ingredients
• Warnings
• Directions
• Cautions
• Side Effects
• Expiration Date

You can protect yourself and others on the road with these easy tips:

• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn the side effects of any medications you're taking
• Carefully read the directions and warning labels of any medications you're taking
• Ask your healthcare provider about non-impairing alternatives
• Never take more than the recommended dose
• Don't mix medications without checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first
• Don't mix alcohol with your medication
• Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of drug impairment before you get behind the wheel

Where do you can find out more about medications?
Your best bet is to talk with your health care professional.

You also can contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or visit online at www.fda.gov/cder.

References:

1. Pray WS.  OTC Medications and Drowsiness.  US Pharm.  October 1997.
2. National Safety Council. Available at: http://www.nsc.org. Accessed on Feb.7, 2007.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Available at: http://www.fda.gov assessed on Feb. 7, 2007.

By: Nelson G. Vazquez Pharm.D. Candidate 2007; Hetal Dave Pharm.D. Candidate 2007
Preceptor: Nancy Borja, Pharm.D.