These medications are typically used to relieve itchy, watery eyes and to reduce congestion due to allergies, colds and flu. They can also cause excitability or drowsiness. Activities such as driving that require mental alertness should be avoided when taking these drugs. OTC preparations containing antihistamines are often taken in excessive quantities to produce a high such as that experienced when abusing narcotics and sedatives. Antitussives and Expectorants.
Antitussives are cough suppressants used to treat painful, persistent coughs.
Expectorants are used to help clear mucous from the respiratory system. Both medications may contain alcohol and some may contain narcotics, such as codeine, to relieve pain and induce sleep. Some may be addictive. Young people may abuse these medications for the effects derived from alcohol use, as the alcohol content in some OTC preparations may be as high as 40 percent. These medications should not be taken beyond the recommended number of days or in greater doses than indicated on the label or by a doctor.