I know what medicine I need, so why prescriptions?

A close family member with a bad head cold returned from the supermarket with an elixir, a night time cold remedy, and sinus/sinus pressure pills. None said "Tylenol" on the package (she prefers Motrin over Tylenol), yet all had a full adult dose of acetaminophen. She had intended on taking all three before sleep- plus the Motrin.

The alka seltzer in my medicine cabinet has no active ingredients.

A friend of mine who says his body can't handle caffeine also says Excedrin is about the only thing that works for his occassional headaches.

We're about all smart enough to self medicate, but that isn't what it being marketed and sold over-the-counter. We aren't educated about medications, but we know alot about Brand names.