Some over-the-counter (OTC) products contain more than one active ingredient, meaning they contain more than one drug. Combining active ingredients in one product is usually done for two reasons:
1) To make the medicine more effective in treating different symptoms (called a multi-symptom product)
2) To make the medicine more effective in treating a single symptom (called a combination product)
Many cough and cold medicines are multi-symptom products. For example, phenylephrine may be one ingredient in a multi-symptom product to treat nasal stuffiness, and dextromethorphan may be another ingredient in the same product to treat a cough.
Other products are considered combination products. for example, products used for migraine headache relief often contain two pain relievers: acetaminophen and aspirin. Another example is cough medicine, which may contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, both medicines are intended to treat a cough.
Multi-symptom and combination medicines come in all forms such as tablets, liquids, ointments, eye drops, and even pain patches. One benefit to using them is that they are a convenient way to treat multiple symptoms without having to use different products. It is especially useful for young children or older adults who may have difficulty taking medicine. Another benefit can be cost. It can be more cost effective to purchase one product.
Although there are benefits to using these products, multi-symptom and combination products are not without problems and safety concerns. For example, some people may purchase a multi-symptom product to treat one symptom and end up taking medicine they do not need. It can also be difficult to choose the right multi-symptom product. The wide variety of products and ingredients to treat one condition with multiple symptoms can be overwhelming.
The most serious safety concern when using multi-symptom or combination products is the risk of taking one specific active ingredient in multiple medicines at the same time (either intended or unintended). For example, two multi-symptom products taken to treat the symptoms of the flu may both contain acetaminophen. Or you may not realize the multi-symptom product you are taking has acetaminophen in it, and then take plain acetaminophen. Also, many combination prescription products contain an OTC medicine. For example, prescription combination pain relievers may contain acetaminophen, which is also found in many cough and cold medicines or sleep aids.
Taking medicines with the same active ingredient can be harmful if more than the recommended amount is taken. So, when choosing an OTC medicine, follow these recommendations to be sure you are taking a multi-symptom or combination product safely.
Read the Active Ingredients section of the Drug Facts label on all OTC medicines, and be sure each active ingredient is not being taken in more than one product.
Read the Uses section of the Drug Facts label on all OTC medicines, and use multi-symptom products that only treat the actual symptoms you have (e.g., cough, fever, congestion, discomfort).
If taking OTC and prescription medicines at the same time, be sure the prescription medicine does not contain one of the same active ingredients as the OTC medicine.
If you are unsure of the active ingredients in either OTC or prescription medicines, contact your local pharmacist for assistance.
