Abuse of OTC Drugs
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ACPE Universal Program Number: 207-000-08-012-H01-P
Release Date: December 1, 2008
Expiration Date: December 1, 2011

Statement of Need
The abuse of OTC drugs is not a new problem but is one that has, along with prescription drug abuse, taken on new importance, especially among the adolescent population. The ease of obtaining the drugs, the low risk of detection, and the relatively poor perception of the risks involved by both teens and parents has contributed to this problem. Pharmacists need to be vigilant in addressing this situation and developing strategies to help reduce OTC drug abuse.

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this article, the pharmacist should be able to:

  1. Describe the characteristics and significance of OTC drug abuse.
  2. Identify the signs of dextromethorphan abuse.
  3. Explain the effects of dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, and antihistamines based upon their pharmacodynamic properties.
  4. Recognize the requirements for sales restrictions on pseudoephedrine and prepare for possible regulatory changes for other OTCs.
  5. Identify the populations at risk and the effects of laxative abuse.
    6.

Target Audience
The target audience for this activity is pharmacists.

Instructions for Participation
To receive a certificate of completion that indicates your eligibility for continuing education credit, you must:

  • Review the content of the activity.
  • Successfully complete the post-test (70% or higher).
  • You will have two (2) opportunities to successfully complete the activity.
    •

Your statement of credit will be issued immediately upon successful completion of the post-test and submission of the evaluation.

Fee
There is no fee for this activity.

Accreditation
Pharmacists
ACPE logoNCPA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This program will provide 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit under the number 207-000-08-012-H01-P.


Faculty
Gerald Gianutsos, BS Pharm, MS, PhD, JD is an associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, Connecticut.

Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their continuing education activities.

The author, sponsor, and publisher of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education program. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, precautions) and drug delivery systems are subject to change, however, the reader is advised to check the manufacturer's package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by NCPA of any product or manufacturer identified.

Any medications or treatment methods suggested in this CE activity should not be used by the practitioner without evaluation of their patient's condition(s) and possible contraindication(s) or danger(s) of use of any specific medication.

Software Requirements

PC
Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater
Firefox
Windows 2000 SE or greater
*Adobe Acrobat Reader

MAC
Safari
Firefox
Internet Explorer is not supported on the Macintosh.

*REQUIRED TO VIEW PRINTABLE VERSION OF CE LESSON


 

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