Watch What You Pop

Non-prescription doesn't mean non-toxic. Here's why you should save your over-the-counter pills until you really need them.

You can buy as many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as you like - but should you? 'No', says Dr Sarah Jarvis from the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK. 'OTC and pharmacy-only remedies are safe and effective, but you can still use them irresponsibly. Read the packet and see a doctor if you have recurring problems.

Pill-Popper #1: Painkillers	Five million drivers take to the road in an unfit state every holiday due to drowsiness- inducing antihistamines. When To Use Them: 'Stick to non-drowsy types,' suggests Dr Jarvis. Or try visualising a ski slope: research has suggested it reduces hay fever. Yes, really.
Pill-Popper #2: Antihistamine
Pill-Popper #3: Decongestants
Pill-Popper #4: Laxatives

Author: Kate Rew