A lot of OTC meds have a kids section and an adult or over 12 section the dosing information as if the age is the only thing that matters in terms of dosage. Why is that? Is the same dose really as effective for a 250 lb male as a 100 lb female? Why aren’t the doses broken down into more specific categories based on weight?
In: Chemistry
Note that OTC medications are generally safe to somewhat overdose, such that is someone takes the recommended dose and doesn’t feel the effects, they can take a second dose. So the dose can be put in the middle for the average person, and big people can take a double dose, and small people will just have a heavy dose, not a problem.
Prescription medications are typically more dangerous to overdose on, which is why they require a prescription. They want to make sure the right dose is given. It may not kill you, but it could make you sick or damage your liver. Or, in the case of many antibiotics, it’s dangerous to *under-dose* because it can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria.
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