Investigating OTC drugs: Are over-the-counter drugs an under-appreciated toxic danger?

Investigating OTC drugs: Are over-the-counter drugs an under-appreciated toxic danger? Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs are not harmless. Understanding the effects and dangers of OCT abuse and misuse is key to public safety, here UC Davis provides everything you need to know. The term ‘overdose’ refers to the administration, intentional or unintentional, of a drug or other biologically active substance in an amount that exceeds a safe dose and, therefore, can cause toxicity. Most of us associate this term with use of illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine, or the abuse of regulated, controlled medications, like the opioid fentanyl, likely because adverse effects associated with these drugs are common topics in the news, social media, and movies or books. But any biologically active substance that can be ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin, including compounds essential to life, such as oxygen and water, can cause toxicity when in excess.