Take the least amount of drug possible to get the desired effect. The more the active ingredients in the medicine, the higher the risk of adverse reactions and interactions. Take most OTC drugs either one hour before or two hours after eating, to prevent food from reducing their absorption and effectiveness. Never mix alcohol and medications. If a problem doesn't get better, worsens, or clears up and then returns, see a doctor.
Some medications can make symptoms worse if take far too long.
6. check label dates before buying or using medications. If you are pregnant, you need to be much more cautious regarding the medicines you take, since they can adversely affect the foetus. Don't play doctor and double the dose just because your child's condition appears more serious than the last time and don't let children take medicines by themselves, just like you wouldn't let them play with fire. Therefore, you should store all medicines, including vitamins and supplements, in such a place where children can neither see nor reach them. Certain OTC drugs may affect the way your body reacts to the prescription drugs you are taking.