USA Today (8/4, Marcus) reports that in light of Johnson & Johnson’s plans announced last week to reduce the maximum dose for Extra Strength Tylenol [acetaminophen], now some health experts are voicing concern “about overuse of other medications that consumers can purchase off pharmacy shelves without a prescription, such as…Theraflu for colds, and the antihistamine Benadryl [diphenhydramine].” Other OTC medicines raising concern include “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin),” the overuse of which could lead to gastrointestinal problems or kidney damage. Brian Storm, director of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, pointed out, “It’s important for the public to realize all drugs have side effects. It doesn’t matter if they’re prescription, over-the-counter, herbals or nutritional supplements.”
