9

Consumer
Chemistry 9
Quarter 4 – Week 3-4
Prescription and Over-the-counter
Medication

Name of Learner: _______________________________________

Grade Level: _______________________________________
Section: _______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
CONSUMER CHEMISTRY LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
I. Learning Competency with Code
The learners should be able to compare prescription medicines from over-the-
counter (OTC) medicines

II. Background Information for Learners

A drug is a medication that is intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or

prevention of disease. The following are the key differences between over-the-counter
(OTC) and prescription medications.

Prescription drugs:
Needs a doctor's prescription
Purchased from a pharmacy
It's only for one person, and it's only supposed to be used by that person.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates this industry.

OTC drugs:
Drugs that do not need a prescription from a doctor
Can be displayed and bought from the store shelves
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates this product through Administrative
Order No. 23-C s. 2000 "Policies and Guidelines on Over-the-Counter Drug Products"

What are PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:

Prescription drugs are often powerful treatments, which is why they require a doctor's or
dentist's prescription. Prescription drugs are generally abused in one of three ways:
Opioids, such as codeine, are pain relievers.
Antidepressants—drugs that help people sleep or alleviate anxiety.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
(ADHD)

Prescription drug abuse has become a major public health problem, as it can lead to
addiction and even death from overdosing.

What Makes Prescription Drug Misuse Unsafe

Any drug carries the risk of side effects, some of which are severe. Before prescribing
drugs, doctors and dentists weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks for each patient,
taking into consideration a variety of factors such as those mentioned below. When
prescription medications are abused, they can be just as harmful as illegally manufactured
drugs.

Personal Information. Health practitioners assess a person's weight, how long they've been
prescribed the medicine, other medical problems, and other drugs they're taking before
prescribing a prescription. Someone who abuses prescription drugs risks overdosing their
system or exposing themselves to risky drug reactions that can result in seizures, coma, or
even death.

Form and dose. The time it takes for a pill or capsule to dissolve in the stomach, release
drugs into the bloodstream, and enter the brain is known to doctors. When prescription
medications are misused, they are often administered in higher doses or in ways that alter
the way the medication functions in the body and brain, increasing the risk of an overdose.
When those who abuse OxyContin® smash and inhale the tablets, for example, a dose that
would usually take 12 hours to operate reaches the central nervous system all at once.
Addiction and overdose are more likely as a result of this impact.

Side Effects. Prescription medications are intended to treat a particular disease or disorder,
but they often have side effects that are unpleasant and, in some cases, harmful. These are
referred to as side effects. If prescription medications are not administered as prescribed or
when they are combined with other substances, side effects can become more serious. See
the section below for more information on side effects.

How prescription drugs are misused

 Using another person's prescription drug, even though it's for a legitimate medical
purpose (such as to relieve pain, to stay awake, or to fall asleep).
 Taking a prescription medication in a manner that is not recommended, such as
taking a higher dosage or taking it more often, or grinding pills into powder to snort or
inject the medication.
 Misuse often includes taking your own medication in a manner that it was not
intended to be taken. This can involve taking more medicine than prescribed or
altering the medication's shape, such as splitting or crushing a pill or capsule and
then snorting the powder.
 Getting “high” on a prescription drug.
 Using it in conjunction with alcohol or other substances. Your pharmacist will tell you
which other medications are safe to take with your prescription.

Commonly Prescribed Drugs

1. Vicodin – for acute or chronic moderate to moderately severe pain
2. Simvastatin – treats high cholesterol and reduces risk of stroke
3. Azithromycin – antibiotic for treating eat, throat and sinus infections
4. Metformin – treating type 2 diabetes in adults and children
5. Amlodipine – for treating high blood pressure and treatment and prevention of chest
pain
6. Amoxicillin – penicillin antibiotic for treating several types of bacterial infections

What are OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) medicines?

OTC medications are those that can be purchased without a prescription. Some over-the-
counter medications help with aches, pains, and itching. Some, such as tooth decay and
athlete's foot, avoid or cure diseases. Others assist with the management of recurring
issues such as migraines and allergies.

The FDA determines whether or not a drug is safe and secure enough to be sold over-the-
counter. This enables you to be more involved in your health care. However, you must
exercise caution in order to avoid making errors. And sure to follow the directions on the
medication's bottle. Inquire with your pharmacist or health care provider if you don't
understand the directions.

Bear in mind that there are still dangers associated with taking over-the-counter
medications:
 Other medicines, supplements, foods, or drinks you're taking can interfere with the
medicine you're taking.
 Certain drugs are not appropriate for people who have certain medical conditions.
People with high blood pressure, for example, can avoid such decongestants.
 Certain medications cause allergic reactions in certain people.
  Many medications are unsafe to take while pregnant. If you're expecting a child, talk to
your doctor before taking any medications.
 When giving medicines to infants, use caution. Ascertain that your child receives the
proper dosage. Do not use a kitchen spoon to administer liquid medicine to your
kids. Instead, use a teaspoon-marked measuring spoon or a dosing cup.

Ideally, all OTC medicines have a Drug Facts label. The Drug Facts label is there to help
you choose the right OTC medicine for you and your problem and to use it safely. All
medicine, even OTC medicines, can cause side effects (unwanted or unexpected effects)
but following the directions on the label, can lower your chance of side effects.

The Drug Facts label tell you:

1. The ingredient in the medicine
2. What the medicine is for
3. If the medicine is right for you and your problem
4. If there are reasons to talk to your doctor first
5. How to use your medicine

10 pointers for using over-the-counter medications wisely

1. Take a look at the label.
This will assist you in choosing the best product for your symptoms. Important dosing instructions
and alerts are also included.
2. Choose a medication that just addresses the symptoms you're experiencing.
Some drugs are designed to treat a single symptom (i.e., cough medicine). Some are for a variety of
symptoms (i.e., cold medicines that treat headache, stuffy nose and cough). "More" does not always
imply "better."
3. Know what to stay away from.
OTC medications, like prescription drugs, can have negative side effects. When taking an OTC
prescription, read the label to see what to stop.
4. Before you use, make sure you ask.
Any questions you may have can be directed to your pharmacist or doctor.
5. Take the medication EXACTLY as directed on the package.
Taking too much of anything can be dangerous. Take only the prescribed dose at the times
specified on the bottle.
6. When taking several OTC medications, exercise caution.
The active ingredients in many OTC drugs are the same. The pain reliever you take for a backache,
for example, may also be used in cold medicines. It's possible that you're having more than is
recommended. Compare and contrast the ingredients!
7. Don't mix prescription and over-the-counter medications without first consulting a
doctor.
Combining drugs can often result in negative side effects. Alternatively, one drug could interfere
with the effectiveness of another. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more information.
8. Make a list of both OTC and prescription medications, as well as dietary
supplements and herbal remedies you use.
Include the active ingredients as well as the reason for their use. Share it with the doctors so they
can look for any potential interactions or side effects. Give a copy to a family member or friend in
case of an emergency.
9. Give medicines to infants and children based on their age and weight.
Adult-strength items should not be offered to children under the age of 12 unless otherwise stated
on the bottle. This could result in an unintentional overdose. Adult tablets should never be cut in
half, and a child's dosage of an adult-strength liquid product should never be estimated. Using the
measuring cup or syringe that came with the prescription for liquid medicines. Using a fork instead
of a kitchen spoon.
10. Do not use drugs that have passed their expiration date.
Safely dispose of all unused medications. Don't leave them lying around where children or pets
might find them.

Common Over-the-counter Drugs at Home

1. Acetaminophen/Paracetamol – commonly used for fever, minor aches and pains
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen) – for inflammation, fever and pain
3. Dextromethorphan – used to control cough
4. Guaifenesin – an expectorant that loses mucus from breathing tubes
5. Oral decongestants (Phenylpropanolamine HCl, chlorphenamine maleate) – relieves
stuffy nose
6. Medication for constipation (Bisacodyl) – to relieve constipation
7. Loperamide – for the treatment of diarrhea
8. Antacids – for the treatment of hyperacidity

Understanding Drug Labels

1. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – The
ingredient in the medicine that
make it work

2. USES – Describes the

symptoms that the medicine
treats.

3. WARNINGS – Safety
information, including side
effects, the questions you should
ask a doctor before taking the
medicine, and which medicines
to avoid using at the same time.

4. DIRECTIONS – Indicates the

amount or dose of medicine to
take, how often to take it, and
how much you can take in one
day.

5. OTHER INFORMATION – How

to store the medicine.

6. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS –
Ingredients not intended to treat
the symptoms (example –
preservatives or flavorings)

7. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
– Call the company if you have
questions about a specific
medicine.
III. Activity 1 – Venn Diagram
Directions: Read the statements below and decide whether they apply to over-the-counter
(OTC) or prescription medicines or both. Use the Venn diagram below to classify the
statements.

1. Children should take medicine with the supervision and permission of parent or trusted adult.
2. Medicine that should be used only by the person for whom the medicine was ordered.
3. This medicine can be bought without a doctor’s prescription.
4. The local pharmacist can answer questions about this medicine.
5. Medicines that are dangerous if misused or abused.

IV. Activity 2 – Medicine Safety Checklist

Directions: Choose the best answer for the following:
1. Medicine that a doctor orders for you, and is available only from a pharmacist.
a. Prescription medicine
b. Over-the-counter medicine
c. Not sure
2. This medicine is bought in a drugstore, pharmacy or supermarket without having to
get a doctor’s permission.
a. Prescription medicine
b. Over-the-counter medicine
c. Not sure
3. You can’t be harmed by over-the-counter medicines. After all, you can buy them
without a doctor’s prescription.
a. True b. False c. Not sure
4. It’s okay to use someone else’s prescription medicine if you have the same
symptoms, he or she had when he or she got it.
a. True b. False c. Not sure
5. Children should not use prescription medicine without the permission of their parent
or a trusted adult.
a. True b. False c. Not sure
6. Prescription medicine can be found on the shelves in some stores.
a. True b. False c. Not sure
7. Taking more medicine than directed will help you feel better faster.
a. True b. False c. Not sure
V. Activity 3 – What should you do?
Directions: Determine the correct to be taken for the situations below.
1. You find medicine in the kitchen table. What should you do?
 Take the medicine.
 Don’t touch the medicine. Tell your parents or guardian.
2. You get a headache at your friend’s house. Your friend’s mother offers to give you
medicine. What should you do?
 Get your parent’s or guardian’s permission first.
 Take the medicine.
3. You take some new medicine your doctor gave you. Then you get sleepy. What
should you do?
 Tell your parents or guardian about the side effect.
 Lie down and go to sleep.
4. What should you do if you feel sick at school?
___________________________________________________________________
5. Your doctor gave you medicine for an ear infection. You’ve been taking the medicine
and now your ear doesn’t hurt anymore. You still have some medicine left. What is
the safest thing to do?
___________________________________________________________________
6. Name one or two trusted adults who can give you medicine.
___________________________________________________________________

VI. Activity 4 – Using the Drug Facts Label

Directions: Use the sample label on the medicine box in the picture to answer the
questions below:

1. What are the side effects

associated with the use of this
medicine?
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
2. According to this label, what are
some reasons that someone
might have to contact a doctor
before or after giving this
medicine?
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
3. What section of the label would
you refer to in order to
determine the correct does?
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
 V. Guide Questions
1. Why is it necessary to know the different between prescription and over-the-
counter medicine?
___________________________________________________________________
2. In your family, what are your procedures before taking any medication?
___________________________________________________________________

VII. Reflection
What important lesson about medication that you learned from this module that you really
feel like you need to share to your family? Why?
___________________________________________________________________

VIII. Reference for learners

Abuse, N. I. on D. (2012, August 3). Prescription Drugs. NIDA for Teens. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-
facts/prescription-drugs
Aronson, J. K. (2004). Over-the-counter medicines. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58(3), 231–234.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02191.x
Drugs.pdf. (n.d.-a). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from
https://classroom.kidshealth.org/classroom/prekto2/problems/drugs/drugs.pdf
Drugs.pdf. (n.d.-b). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from
https://classroom.kidshealth.org/classroom/prekto2/problems/drugs/drugs.pdf
Drugs.pdf. (n.d.-c). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from
https://classroom.kidshealth.org/classroom/prekto2/problems/drugs/drugs.pdf
Over-the-counter Medicine Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.scholastic.com/otc-med-
safety/
Over-the-Counter Medicines. (n.d.). [Text]. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from
https://medlineplus.gov/overthecountermedicines.html
Q&A on Prescription Drugs. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from ../straight-talk-on-prescription-drugs-
worksheet.html
Parungao, Kristine Joy L. Consumer Chemistry Quarter 4 Module 2 Prescription Medicines or Over The Counter
Medicines Science Grade 9 Module – Alternative Delivery Mode. Department of Education Philippines
Research, C. for D. E. and. (2019). Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Questions and Answers.
FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/questions-answers/prescription-drugs-and-over-counter-otc-drugs-
questions-and-answers

IX. Answer Key

ACTIVITY 1
OTC medicine
3. This medicine can be bought without a doctor's prescription.
4. The local pharmacist can answer questions about this medicine.

Prescription medicine
2. Medicine that should be used only by the person for whom the medicine was ordered.

BOTH
1. Children should take medicine with the supervision and permission of parent or trusted
adult.
5. Medicines that are dangerous if misused or abused.

ACTIVITY 2
1. A.
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. B

ACTIVITY 3
1. Don't touch the medicine. Tell your parents or guardian.
2. Get your parent's or guardian's permission first.
3. Tell your parents or guardian about the side effect.
4. Answers vary (Tell your teacher)
5. Answers vary (Continue taking the full dose and duration of the medicine)
6. Answers vary

ACTIVITY 4
1. You might get drowsy, allergic reaction
2. If an allergic reaction occurs.
3. Directions

Prepared by:

TIFFANY MAE L. GO