OTC Analysts

Warm-Up Activity 4.2: Preparing a Chart

To prepare a chart for use in an assignment is quite easy. A chart is essentially a table in which you have established categories for review. To create a table in Word, you will need to go to Insert>Insert Table, then select the number of columns and rows you desire.

Assignment

For this task, explore the use and abuse of drugs taken for chronic pain (known as analgesics) and compare narcotic analgesics (those prescribed by a physician) with OTC analgesics. You will create a chart that includes the following:

The category of the drug (prescription, opioid, OTC)

Specific examples of narcotic analgesics and OTC analgesics

The risks of abuse for these two types of analgesics

The routes of administration for these particular drugs

The manner of absorption

The site of action

The prime effects and side effects of these drugs

The risks of addiction to analgesics and description of how it typically occurs

The age groups most likely to abuse this substance

After you have created your comparison chart, write a summary paper that uses your critical thinking skills to discuss whether these drugs are sufficiently controlled by current law and what can be done to prevent or minimize addiction to prescription drugs.

Your paper should be supported by reference to at least three articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the past 5 years. You may also find additional information at the NIDA InfoFacts website. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be included.

Length: 2-3 page chart, and a 3-4 page summary