American Academy of Family Physicians Announces Publication of First Patient/Physician Guide on Over-the-Counter Medications

NEW YORK — The American Academy of Family Physicians today announced the publication of the first patient/physician guide on the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The guide was published by the Academy’s peer-reviewed scientific journal, American Family Physician. The guide and accompanying online materials will be used by family physicians nationwide to work with their patients on the best use of nonprescription medications to treat colds, allergies, pain and minor illnesses.

Americans increasingly rely on non-prescription medications to treat minor conditions. More than 70 percent of American adults and about 50 percent of American children take over-the-counter medications in any given month.

The patient/physician education guide and accompanying Web-based material located at www.familydoctor.org include a description of the five main ingredients in the most common OTCs currently available, the effect they have on the body and organ systems, and potential side effects and adverse interactions with other OTCs and prescription medications.

“With the proliferation of OTCs and the increasing trend of patients toward self-care, family physicians are ideally positioned to help patients use OTCs correctly and to the best benefit,” said Warren A. Jones, M.D., president of the AAFP. “By offering information to both doctors and patients, we contribute to a better informed and, in turn, healthier society.”

The guide, entitled “Appropriate Use of Common OTC Analgesics and Cough and Cold Medications,” was written by Susan L. Montauk, M.D., professor of clinical family medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and Peter H. Rheinstein, M.D., J.D., M.S., senior vice president of medical and clinical affairs at Cell Works, Inc. in Baltimore. The guide also features patient handouts in Spanish.