Opinion|Videos|November 5, 2024

Behind the Counter: Mastering Pseudoephedrine and Other Restricted OTC Medications

Author(s)Melissa Zinszer, PharmD, CDCES

Melissa Zinszer, PharmD, CDCES, explores the multifaceted role of pharmacists and healthcare providers in managing behind-the-counter medications, addressing patient concerns, optimizing over-the-counter therapy, and ensuring safe, effective treatment through careful symptom assessment and consideration of drug interactions.

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

Subscribe Now!

Latest CME

Webinar Registration

Targeting the Complement Cascade: Evolving Strategies in the Management of Complement-Mediated Kidney Diseases

December 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM ET

On-Demand Virtual Symposium

Emerging Biologic Therapy for the Management of COPD: Integrated Approaches to Optimized Care

1.5 Credit / Immunology, Pulmonology/Respiratory

On-Demand Virtual Symposium

The Impact and Role of Pharmacists in the Management of Specialty Therapies

0.5 Credit / Specialty Pharmacy

On-Demand Virtual Symposium

Strategies to Reduce Challenges in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: The Role of Biologic Therapy

1.5 Credits / Immunology

On-Demand Virtual Symposium

Optimizing Treatment Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach to Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Pruritus

1.5 Credits / Hematologic Cancer, Hematology, Oncology

Behind the Counter: Mastering Pseudoephedrine and Other Restricted OTC Medications

Newsletter

Related Content

MonarchE Ki-67 Value

NATALEE 5-Year Outcomes

Implementing ASCENT-04 Into Clinical Practice

Managing Side Effects of SG

monarchE Primary OS Results

Latest CME

Targeting the Complement Cascade: Evolving Strategies in the Management of Complement-Mediated Kidney Diseases

Emerging Biologic Therapy for the Management of COPD: Integrated Approaches to Optimized Care

The Impact and Role of Pharmacists in the Management of Specialty Therapies

Strategies to Reduce Challenges in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: The Role of Biologic Therapy

Optimizing Treatment Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach to Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Pruritus

ASH Annual Meeting Coverage: Highlighting the Recent Updates in TKI Use in the Treatment of CML – Insights and Application for Managed Care

Innovations in Medicine: 2024 Lineup of New and Approved Specialty Drugs (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Introduction and Disease Burden (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: RSV Case Discussion (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Considerations for the Pharmacist (Part 3)

Implementing Updated RSV Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults: Incorporating ACIP Guidelines (Part 2)

Navigating Diabetes: A Guide to Effective Oral Treatments

Hyperlipidemia Overview and the Clinical and Economic Burden

Beyond the Spots: Management of Measles

Exploring Therapeutic Advances in Myelofibrosis and Key Considerations for Effective Management

Navigating the Changing Treatment Paradigm of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: A Guide for Managed Care Pharmacists

An Evolving Treatment Paradigm: Innovative Approaches and Critical Insights in the Management of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Maximizing Safety With Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Essential Practices for HER2, Trop-2, and HER3 Treatments

Transforming Lymphoma Treatment With Bispecific Antibodies: Practical Solutions for Oncology Pharmacy Teams

Advancing Care in HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer: Essential Insights and Best Practices for Oncology Pharmacists

Navigating the World of Insulin: An Update on Types, Uses, and Considerations

Streamlining Pharmacist-Led Hyperglycemia Management in HR+ Breast Cancer: Overcoming PI3K/AKT Inhibitor Challenges

JAK(i) of All Trades: Navigating Myelofibrosis Treatment and Safety in Community Oncology Practice

Leveraging Biologics and Immunotherapies in the Management of Food Allergies

Advancing Care in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema: Optimizing Outcomes With Emerging Therapies

PBM Challenges and the Evolving Role of Oncology Pharmacists in Community Practices

Beyond Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: Comprehensive Approaches for Community Oncology Practices in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Aiming for Accuracy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: Precision Strategies for Oncology Pharmacists

Advancing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment in the Community: Practical Updates and Clinical Pearls for Oncology Pharmacists

Transforming Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Management: Pharmacist Considerations for the Evolving Treatment Landscape

Shaping the Future of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Based Exploration of Emerging Treatment and Improved Patient Outcomes

Innovations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy: How IL-23 Inhibitors Are Shaping Treatment and Managed Care Approaches

Demystifying CGM: Addressing Frequently Asked Questions and Key Insights

Advancements With CGM Integrations: Insulin Pumps, Connected Pens, and Ketone Monitoring

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: What's New in 2025? (Pharmacy Technician)

A Deep Dive Into CGM Data

Improving the Care of Persons Living With Diabetes Using CGM Devices (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Advances and Innovations in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Management: A Focus on New and Emerging Therapies

Mastering Hyperlipidemia Management: Enhancing Adherence and Expanding Nonstatin Therapy Options

Empowering Pharmacists in Travel Medicine: Enhancing Patient Care Through Vaccination, Prevention, and Education (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Prevention in Adults: The Pharmacist’s Role in Improving Vaccine Uptake

Discipline Decoded: Navigating Pharmacy Law and Disciplinary Cases

Beyond the Prescription: Tackling Social Isolation for Better Health

Beyond the Prescription: Tackling Social Isolation for Better Health (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Discipline Decoded: Navigating Pharmacy Law and Disciplinary Cases (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Evaluating the Role of Pharmacists in Utilizing Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers for Acid Peptic Disorders

Leveraging Novel Therapies to Transform Demodex Blepharitis Care

Advancing Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: Exploring Evolving Therapies and Patient-Centered Approaches

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment Considerations in Women’s Health

Exploring ATTR Phenotypes and Identifying Appropriate Opportunities for Pharmacists to Intervene

The Impact of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Adapting to Advances in EGFR-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: Critical Insights for Oncology Pharmacists

Securing the Supply Chain: The Pharmacists’ Role in DSCSA Compliance

Optimizing HER2-Directed Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: From HER2-Positive to HER2-Ultralow

Breaking Barriers in Asthma Care: Exploring the Role of Type 2 Inflammation and Biologic Therapies

Understanding Type 2 Inflammation and Its Role Across Various Immune-Related Diseases

Shaping the Future of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Management: A Focus on Novel Treatment Approaches

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Inflammation: Practical Approaches to Integrating Biologic Therapy

Updated Guidance and Managed Care Strategies to Optimize Care in EGFR Mutated NSCLC

Addressing the Burden of Hemolysis in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: The Pharmacist's Contribution to Patient Care

The Oncology Pharmacist's Role in Managing Small Molecule Inhibitor Use in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Enhance Patient-Centered Care

Redefining Complement-Mediated Kidney Disease: The Latest in Diagnosis and Treatment

Advancing Pharmacist Expertise in R/R FL: Navigating Novel Therapies and Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Optimizing Outcomes in Myasthenia Gravis: Therapeutic Advances and Value-Based Care Models

Navigating Novel Therapies in Steroid-Refractory cGVHD: Practical Strategies for Community-Based Oncology Pharmacists

Reducing Transfusion Burden in Myeloid Disorders: Novel Therapeutic Strategies and Pharmacist Interventions

Panel Discussion: Integrating Novel Combinations and Earlier Line Use in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

The Pharmacist's Role in Palliative and End of Life Symptom Management

The Pharmacist's Role in Palliative and End of Life Symptom Management (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Optimizing Patient Outcomes in R/R DLBCL: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Oncology Pharmacists in the Era of Novel Immunotherapies

Understanding mRNA Vaccines: Dispelling Myths and Empowering Pharmacists to Counsel Patients (Pharmacy Technician Credit)