Responsible self-medication is becoming ever more important in the health care of

Americans. Self-medication continues to offer quick and inexpensive relief for mi-

nor health discomforts. Consumers of all socioeconomic levels have found the con-

venient availability and low cost of over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) an invalu-

able and welcome adjunct to the professional health care system.

Of great interest to health professionals is a trend that began with the OTC Review

(the government s exhaustive evaluation of the ingredients and labeling in OTC

products), and is now continuing through several regulatory avenues: that of trans-

ferring some ingredients and dosages from prescription to OTC (nonprescription)

status. This is broadening the range of effective products available to consumers

for self-medication, while improved labeling helps ensure appropriate use.