 product recommendations can be found at 

, where the information is searchable both by category and product name. Designed for use by pharmacists and patients, OTCGuide.net helps users navigate the latest OTC products. 

Articles

OTC Guide

The 2015 OTC Guide product recommendations can be found at www.OTCGuide.net, where the information is searchable both by category and product name.

The OTC Guide Mobile Site

Sun protection has its roots in pharmacy: Benjamin Green, a pharmacist and airman in the Army, created what would later become the first popular commercial sunscreen available in the United States. With options that now extend far beyond the traditional red, sticky paste Green and other soldiers used to ward off sunburn during World War 2, and an increased focus on new products entering the market, choosing the right sun protection option can be more complicated than it was in the past.

It is best to rely on proven, traditional methods for sun protection—rather than newer, unproven methods&mdash;including using broad-spectrum sunscreens, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, say experts from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

The newer protection methods include sunscreen pills, drinkable sunscreen, UV-monitoring bracelets, and smartphone applications. Each has a different level of evidence to support its effectiveness, the AAD states. In general, research tends to support compounds within sunscreen pills, although AAD expert Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, of the Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, notes that many of the compounds only provide sun protection equivalent to SPF 3 to 5—well below the SPF 30 the AAD recommends. Furthermore, the compounds studied have only been tested individually, not in combination, which may alter their efficacy.

Bracelets developed to help track UV exposure and monitor UV ray intensity could help increase exposure awareness, provided the measurements are accurate, Dr. Lim said. As a result, it is often best to fall back on the AAD’s recommended reapplication schedule: apply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. The AAD is more skeptical of drinkable sunscreen since there is no scientific evidence supporting it. Diet is also a questionable source of sun protection. Dr. Lim noted that only extreme doses of certain vitamins have been shown to provide sun protection, and the safety of high long-term doses of vitamins has not been established.

Despite the promise of new products, many will need to undergo rigorous scientific testing and then FDA approval— processes that tend to take long periods of time. Although a law enacted in late 2014 intends to speed up the process, it might be some time before new ingredients hit pharmacy shelves. As a result, most professional organizations recommend relying on traditional sunscreen to stave off the sun’s rays. According to 

’ 2014 OTC Product Survey, pharmacists make 639,908 sunscreen recommendations per month and are well prepared for any sun protection questions.

Since 2012, several words have been absent from sunscreen containers: the FDA nixed waterproof, sweatproof, and sunblock because the words overstated product effectiveness. Instead, the products include an SPF value that indicates the level of protection against the UVB rays that cause sunburn. Products that protect against skin cancer—causing UVA rays also have a broad-spectrum SPF rating; sunscreens with higher SPF values provide higher broad-spectrum SPF as well.

What is seldom seen on pharmacy shelves now? Sunscreen wipes, towelettes, powders, body washes, and shampoos, although popular prior to the FDA’s new regulations, are noticeably absent. The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research told 

 that the products in those dosage forms are not eligible for consideration under the new sun protection rules because they have not established their eligibility for review under the new regulations.

Choosing the right sun protection option can be more complicated than it was in the past. 

Sun Protection: Pharmacists Have the Facts

Vitamins and minerals: why you need them and where to find them.

	There are 13 essential vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K, with 8 vitamins in the B complex) and many minerals the body requires for optimal health. If you eat a balanced, healthy diet, you are probably already getting adequate amounts of the essential nutrients your body needs to function at its best level. If you are following a restricted diet or have certain health conditions, however, you may need a multivitamin or other dietary supplements. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement, including a multivitamin, to avoid getting too much of a good thing.

Vitamins and Minerals: What’s the Difference?

Vitamins are made by living things, while minerals are found in the earth. For example, carrots produce beta carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A; minerals, such as iron and copper, can be found in soil and rock. Vitamins are much more delicate than minerals and can break down with heat or age, and they are organic; minerals are inorganic, making their chemical form more simple than that of vitamins.

	Whereas all vitamins are needed by the body, only some minerals are required for nutrition. Examples of necessary minerals include calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, and zinc. Minerals and trace elements are mainly found in meat, cereals, fish, milk and dairy foods, vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts. See Table 1 for a comparison of vitamins and minerals.

Calcium: An Important Mineral for All Age Groups

	Calcium is necessary for strong bones and health, is needed for blood to clot, and helps nerves to send messages and muscles to contract. People of all ages are encouraged to meet their recommended dietary allowance for calcium (Online Table 2), particularly those at highest risk for low calcium intake from food: children 9 years and older, adolescent girls, adult women, and adults 51 years and older.

Vitamins and Minerals Explained

Allergies are incurable, but OTC products can help patients function.

Allergy sufferers of all sizes, shapes, and health statuses request help selecting OTC products. Some patients have comorbidities, some want to take something that will help them sleep, and others may be scratching remarkably ugly rashes or cannot tell if they have a cold, allergies, or both.

When counseling patients, pharmacists should follow these 4 major guidelines:

• Allergies are incurable, but OTC products can relieve symptoms and help patients function.

• Base your recommended course of therapy on each patient’s medical and medication histories, documented allergies, symptom severity, cost, and preferred dosing intervals.

• The active ingredients panel is the most important section of the box; pretty packaging is just a distraction.

• Patients may try several different products before finding one (or a combination) that works for them. Also, products can stop working over time.

Approximately 60 million Americans— up to 40% of adults and children&mdash;suffer from seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, and its prevalence is increasing. 

 These patients have predictable complaints: frequent sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, loss of smell, headaches, earache or ear pressure, and red, itchy, swollen, or teary eyes. Patients also often report fatigue, drowsiness, and malaise.

 Some people are cursed with both types of rhinitis: baseline rhinitis throughout the year and exacerbated symptoms when specific pollens peak.

 Numerous nonallergic triggers also cause rhinitis, including hormones (eg, pregnancy, puberty, thyroid conditions), structural defects (eg, septal deviation, adenoid hypertrophy), lesions (eg, nasal polyps and neoplasms), and drugs (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, clonidine, oral contraceptives, topical decongestants).

Allergic rhinitis can lead to complications: otitis media, sinusitis, recurring sore throat, cough, headaches, disturbed sleep, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, irritability, poor school performance, and impaired cognitive function are common.

 In addition, some children may develop delayed speech, altered facial growth, and dental problems.

 To avoid allergens, using environmental control measures is the best approach—a move that can be practically impossible if pollen or dust mites are the allergen.

• Lowering the humidity level at home reduces mold growth.

• Checking local pollen and mold counts can identify high-risk periods in advance.

• Keeping windows closed in cars and at home when pollen and mold levels are high reduces exposure.

• Avoiding outdoor activity during peak pollen production (5:00 am to 10:00 am) is helpful.

Rinsing nasal cavities using isosaline irrigation is simple and safe.

 Four drug classes are used to treat nasal allergies: oral antihistamines, eye antihistamines, oral decongestants, and nasal spray decongestants.

Pharmacists should educate patients that antihistamines and decongestants have numerous medication interactions and contraindications. Patients who have medical conditions sensitive to adrenergic stimulation (eg, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, prostatic hypertrophy, elevated intraocular pressure) should avoid decongestants.

Most patients prefer antihistamines for itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and dry cough. First-generation antihistamines (ie, sedating antihistamines including diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine) are associated with drowsiness or sedation, impaired mental alertness, and anticholinergic effects.

 Secondgeneration OTC antihistamines (ie, nonsedating antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine) usually do not cause significant drowsiness. Patients should start antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers as soon as possible—before symptom onset (if they can anticipate them) or immediately thereafter.

For nasal or eustachian tube congestion or cough associated with postnasal drip, systemic or short-term topical nasal decongestants can help. Systemic phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine are popular, effective choices; however, they can cause insomnia, nervousness, and tachycardia.

 Using topical decongestants avoids the potential for systemic adverse effects (AEs), but can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion) if used for more than 3 to 5 days.

 Combination products for allergic rhinitis are very popular and convenient if patients have multiple symptoms. However, if some symptoms resolve and patients fail to revert to a single drug product, they risk unnecessary drug use.

Cromolyn sodium nasal spray is available over the counter for patients 5 years and older. Patients use 1 spray in each nostril 3 to 6 times daily; they should start treatment at least 1 week before they expect seasonal symptoms. Cromolyn sodium’s most common AEs include nasal burning or stinging; the product has no known drug interactions.

When allergic rhinitis causes watery, itchy eyes, ocular combination products (eg, antihistamines pheniramine maleate and antazoline phosphate in combination with the decongestant naphazoline) can help. Common AEs include burning, stinging, and discomfort.

Ketotifen fumarate 0.025% ophthalmic solution—a noncompetitive histamine

-receptor antagonist and mast cell stabilizer—is the sole OTC antihistamine ophthalmic product that relieves ocular itching without a decongestant. 

 Ketotifen can be used in individuals 3 years and older for itchy eyes due to exposure to ragweed, pollen, grass, animal hair, and dander; it is classified as Pregnancy Category C (ie, the possible benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks).

 Ketotifen’s advantages include twice-daily dosing and quick action. Common AEs include headache, dry eyes, and rhinitis.

 Patients should apply ketotifen before their contacts and then wait at least 10 minutes to put in their lenses.

Skin allergies can be serious and require emergency care; refer affected patients immediately. Symptoms include itching, rash, oozing blisters, swelling, and redness. Patients who present with mild to moderate contact dermatitis, hives, and allergic dermatitis can use OTC products. First- or second-generation systemic or topical antihistamines are preferred with skin allergies. Hydrocortisone-containing creams, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, and moisturizers can also provide relief.

Before recommending any OTC product, pharmacists should always determine if self-treatment is appropriate and refer individuals to seek further medical evaluation when warranted.

 Individualizing treatment is easier if pharmacists are familiar with various OTC formulations. These come in the form of liquids, chewable tablets, oral disintegrating tablets or medicated thin strips, and immediate- or sustained-release capsules, tablets, or caplets. A subset of patients may need alcohol-free, sugar-free, or dye-free products.

Ms. Wick is a visiting professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy.

		Scolaro K. Disorders related to colds and allergy. In: Berardi R, Newton G, McDermott JH, et al, eds. 

. 16th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2009:189-200.

		More D. When allergy medicines stop working. About.com website. http://allergies.about.com/b/2011/05/12/when-allergy-medicines-stop-working.htm. Updated December 15, 2014. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Allergy statistics. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology website. http://aaaai.org/media/statistics/allergy-statistics.asp#allergicrhinitis. Accessed February 27, 2015.

Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2011

. Hyattsville, MD: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics; 2012. www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_258.pdf. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Salo PM, Arbes SJ Jr, Jaramillo R, et al. Prevalence of allergic sensitization in the United States: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006. 

. 2014;134(2):350-359. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.12.1071.

		Wheatley LM, Togias A. Clinical practice. Allergic rhinitis. 

. 2015;372(5):456-463. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1412282.

		Allergic rhinitis. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website. http://acaai.org/public/advice/rhin.htm. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Fiscella R, Jensen M. Ophthalmic disorders. In: Berardi R, Newton G, McDermott JH, et al, eds. 

. 16th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2009:526-528.

		Rhinitis (hay fever). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website. http://aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0307/. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Solelhac G, Charpin D. Management of allergic rhinitis. 

		Hermelingmeier KE, Weber RK, Hellmich M, Heubach CP, Mösges R. Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 

. 2012;26(5):e119-125. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2012.26.3787.

		Williams A, Scadding G. Is reliance on self-medication and pharmacy care adequate for rhinitis patients? 

. 2009;63(1):98-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01944.x.

		NasalCrom [product information]. Nasalcrom website. http://nasalcrom.com/en/~/media/files/nasalcrom/nasalcromproductinformation.pdf. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Zaditor [product information]. Zaditor website. www.zaditor.com. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Alaway [product information]. Alaway website. www.alaway.com. Accessed February 27, 2015.

		Wick JY. Drug-induced rash: nuisance or threat? 

. 2013;28(3):160-166. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2013.160.

OTC Relief for Allergies: Reducing Symptoms

Pharmacists—an essential patient resource for the proper selection and use of OTC products.

Every year, new or former prescription products are approved by the FDA for OTC use, joining the host of OTC products on the market. Medications indicated for self-treatment are regulated by the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Treatment can be classified into 3 general categories: nonprescription medications, nutritional supplements, and natural/homeopathic remedies.

Americans spent about $40 billion on OTC medications in 2014.

 Research shows that 81% of adults use OTC medicines as a first response to minor ailments.3 Results from a survey show that 73% of individuals would prefer to self-treat with OTC drugs than visit a physician, and more than 87% believe these agents are safe and effective when used as directed.

 According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), more than 240 million Americans use OTC drugs annually.

The more than 80 therapeutic categories of OTC drugs can be narrowed to 12 general therapeutic categories.

 According to the FDA, there are more than 300,000 marketed OTC drug products and the number increases annually as some medications move from prescription to OTC status.

Although OTC products are easily accessible to the general public, it is important for consumers to be educated about their safe use, potential drug interactions, contraindications, and possible risks if they are not properly used (Online Table 1

). Studies have shown that individuals older than 65 years account for up to 40% of OTC drug use, and this patient population is at greater risk for potential drug interactions and contraindications because they are more likely to also be taking prescription medications and have 1 or more medical conditions.

 Moreover, an estimated 7 of 10 parents have given their child an OTC drug late at night to treat an abrupt onset medical symptom, and 81% of adults elect to use OTC drugs for minor symptoms before seeking medical care.

Pharmacists are in a pivotal position to increase awareness about the safe use of OTC products, as well as inform patients about potential adverse effects. As one of the most accessible health care professionals, they can provide patients with essential information needed to make appropriate selections when choosing OTC products and advise them on the proper uses of these products. To ensure that patients are properly educated about the use of OTC products and to decrease the potential for medication errors, during counseling, pharmacists should encourage patients to thoroughly read each product label, adhere to the recommended directions, and ask questions if uncertain about the selection and use of these products.

According to the CHPA, the OTC products consumers use most often for self-treatment of acute and chronic conditions include allergy, analgesic, antifungal, cough/cold/flu, lower and upper gastrointestinal, and dermatologic products.

 A 2011 study reported that the most commonly used OTC drugs include analgesics, cough/cold/ flu, allergy, and heartburn medications.

Many consumers may find the use of multiple-ingredient combination products very convenient; however, the use of these products may increase the risk of therapeutic duplications and/or unnecessary drug use. One-third of Americans report they combine OTC medicines when they have multiple symptoms, and only 1 of 10 reads the entire label.

 For example, many cough/cold and allergy products contain multiple ingredients that may not be needed by patients or patients may be unaware that an active ingredient is in another medication they are taking, thus increasing the potential for toxicity.

As the number of OTC drugs on the market continues to increase and the FDA approves more prescription drugs for OTC status, the potential for drug interactions increases. According to the CHPA, since 1975, more than 100 ingredients, indications, or dosage strengths have transitioned from prescription to OTC status, and more drugs are added every year.

 In 2013, the FDA approved Nasacort Allergy 24HR nasal spray as an OTC medication, which became the first in its drug class to be available without a prescription.

 Then, in early 2014, the FDA approved Flonase Allergy Relief for OTC use, as well. A complete list of drugs that have transitioned from prescription to OTC status can be found on the FDA website at www .fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/ OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/ CDER/ucm106378.htm.

The FDA has implemented various patient education programs to increase awareness about the safe use of OTC medications. These resources can be found on the FDA website at www.fda.gov/ Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver- the-CounterMedicines/ ucm277845.htm.

Pharmacists can be an essential resource for patients regarding the selection and proper use of OTC drugs (Online Table 2

) and should seize every opportunity to educate their patients about using OTC drugs safely and wisely. Although proper selection is important for all patients, due to the potential for drug interactions and contraindications, it is especially critical for older individuals, pregnant/lactating women, individuals with preexisting medical conditions (such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease), the pediatric population, and those currently using prescription drugs.

Prior to recommending any OTC drug, pharmacists should evaluate each patient’s medical history, medication profile, and allergy history to screen for potential drug interactions and contraindications. During counseling, pharmacists should ascertain if self-treatment is appropriate and direct patients to seek further medical care when warranted. If they have concerns, patients should be advised to always consult with their primary health care provider regarding the use of any medications, especially if they are taking other medications and have a preexisting medical condition. Patients using multiple OTC products should be reminded to always read labels and check the active ingredients of these products to avoid possible therapeutic duplications and potential toxicities.

When used as directed, OTC products are safe and effective for treating a variety of common ailments. Recommendations from pharmacists enable patients to make safe and informed decisions regarding their health and the proper use of these products.

Ms. Terrie is a clinical pharmacist and medical writer based in Haymarket, Virginia.

		Consumer health: United States. Euromonitor International: Market Insight; February 2011.

		Henderson M. Self-care and nonprescription pharmacotherapy. In: Krinsky D, Berardi R, Ferreri S, et al, eds. 

. 17th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2012.

		OTC value. Consumer Healthcare Products Association website. www.chpa.org/OTCvalue.aspx. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Over the counter medications: use in general and special populations, therapeutic errors, misuse, storage and disposal. American College of Preventative Medicine website. c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.acpm.org/resource/resmgr/timetools-files/otcmedsclinicalreference.pdf. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Drug applications for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Food and Drug Administration website. www.fda.gov/drugs/developmentapprovalprocess/howdrugsaredevelopedandapproved/approvalapplications/over-the-counterdrugs/default.htm. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Brown L, Isetts B. Patient assessment and consultation. In: Krinsky D, Berardi R, Ferreri S, et al, eds. 

		Glaser J, Rolita L. Educating the older adult in over-the-counter medication use. Medscape website. www.medscape.com/viewarticle/705665. Accessed February 16, 2015.

		Statistics on OTC ue. Consumer Healthcare Products Association website. www.chpa.org/MarketStats.aspx. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Key findings: the value of OTC medicine to the United States. Consumer Healthcare Products Association website. www.chpa.org/KeyFindingsValueofOTCMeds2012.aspx. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Harris Interactive/National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE). Attitudes and beliefs about the use of over-the-counter medicines: a dose of reality. National Council on Patient Information and Education website. www.bemedwise.org/survey/final_survey.pdf. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		Rx-to-OTC switch. Consumer Healthcare Products Association website. www.chpa.org/SwitchPP.aspx. Accessed February 15, 2015.

		FDA approves Sanofi's Nasacort Allergy 24 HR for OTC use. Sanofi website. www.news.sanofi.us/2013-10-11-FDA-Approves-Sanofis-Nasacort-Allergy-24HR-for-Over-the-Counter-Use. Accessed February 15, 2015.

Pharmacists-an essential patient resource for the proper selection and use of OTC products.

OTC Medication Safety

Why do the makers of OTC medications want to have a product that is recommended by pharmacists? The simple answer is that the recommendation will produce more sales and make more money. Although that may be true, I think the answer goes much deeper. Because the pharmacist is a trusted professional, recommending an OTC product conveys the idea that the product is special, will treat the patient’s problem, and can be trusted. When the answer to my question is seen from this perspective, a different level of responsibility is placed on the pharmacist when making an OTC product recommendation.

First, pharmacists must be knowledgeable about the condition the patient is experiencing, including the treatment options available and when self-medication may not be appropriate. Articles about OTC medication can be useful resources for the pharmacist in this regard. That is why 

 regularly includes articles about common conditions that can be self-treated. This 19th edition of the 

 provides information that will help pharmacists to make OTC recommendations. Knowing what products are recommended can help you assess your own recommendation strategy. If your approach is different than the majority, you need to make sure you are using the most current information.

Second, pharmacists have a responsibility to educate their patients about the safe use of OTC products. If your product recommendation promotes trust in that product, then you have a responsibility to make sure patients understand how to use the product safely.

Many OTC products are widely advertised and sold in other outlets beside pharmacies. Knowing that, how can pharmacists compete? We can compete by promoting our image as trusted experts who are available to help patients select an appropriate OTC product and to make sure that patients are educated on how to use products appropriately.

We promote the pharmacist as the most accessible health professional, and we promote the community pharmacy as the neighborhood health center. When community pharmacists promote their roles in helping patients select and correctly use OTC products, we build up our image as accessible health professionals. Our OTC product recommendations further enhance our pharmacies as neighborhood health centers. When viewed from this perspective, OTC product advice can play an important role in helping to demonstrate that pharmacists are the drug experts on the health team.

. May it help you learn more about OTC products so you can provide better advice to your patients.

Because the pharmacist is a trusted professional, recommending an OTC product conveys the idea that the product is special, will treat the patient's problem, and can be trusted.

OTC Products and Pharmacists

 has been a constant source of up-to-date, practical information for the pharmacy community and has led the way in presenting valuable information on the OTC market—in print and via digital and online venues.

We have now expanded our reach with this useful guide to OTC products in a special collaboration with 

 to help consumers make the most informed decisions, based on the expert opinions of our pharmacy readers.

More than ever, patients are turning to OTC products to help treat conditions such as allergies, arthritis, cough and cold, migraines, and GI issues, among the many health conditions pharmacists see on a daily basis.

In addition to being cost effective, OTC products offer a convenient option to patients for self-treatment. With blockbuster prescription drugs switching to OTC status, pharmacists are being called on more than ever before to make recommendations from among the 1000+ OTC brands available to patients.

, conducted by Healthcare Research & Analytics (HRA), asked thousands of pharmacists to declare their preferred recommendations on brands in 175 OTC categories. In the pages that follow, these products are organized by health section and in detailed charts that show the percentage of pharmacists’ recommendations each product received. The charts also show the total number of recommendations that retail pharmacy professionals make each month. (Note: Survey percentages in charts reflect 100%.)

As the pharmacist continues to counsel the consumer on OTC choices, our 

 provides guidance for pharmacists by showcasing the brands and products that were most highly recommended by their peers.

 to bring these useful pharmacists’ top recommendations of OTC products directly to consumers. The leading brands will receive a “#1 Pharmacist Recommended” award issued jointly by 

Pharmacy Times has been a constant source of up-to-date, practical information for the pharmacy community and has led the way in presenting valuable information on the OTC market-in print and via digital and online venues.

Pharmacy Times: Leading the Way

 has been calculating pharmacists’ OTC recommendations and publishing an annual survey.

The purpose of our survey is to collect current data on the OTC brands pharmacists recommend most frequently and to ascertain the number of recommendations pharmacists make each month as they work with patients and counsel them on health conditions.

In their daily practice, pharmacists across the country make more than 140 million recommendations to their patients on a monthly basis. As the most accessible, and among the most trusted, health care providers, pharmacists play a key role in their patients’ health and wellness through counseling and product recommendations. Pharmacists are truly a constant source of health care information for the public.

 OTC survey has grown each year since its launch in 1997 when a total of 85 therapeutic categories were included. This year, we surveyed 14 distinct health sections and covered 175 therapeutic categories. As the OTC market has grown, 

 has responded by adding new health sections and new OTC products to the survey. As new therapeutic categories develop and the OTC market continues to evolve, 

 OTC survey will be available to consumers through a special collaboration with 

. The results of the survey will be available on the 

 website, along with useful articles for the consumer, many of them contributed by 

. Visit http://health.usnews.com/healthproducts.

In addition to the valuable charts that summarize the OTC products most often recommended by pharmacists in 14 distinct health areas, this edition of the OTC Guide includes a number of articles related to the use and management of OTC products. This issue provides articles that focus on the latest information on supplements, allergies, and medication safety.

 features an easy-to-use format that provides pharmacists with OTC product information at their fingertips. The color-coded guide is organized for easy access to the multitude of OTC brands that pharmacists recommend on a daily basis. The Table of Contents can be found on page 2, each health section is highlighted, and in-depth product charts are found throughout the guide.

These OTC product recommendations can also be found at 