This episode dives into the real-world side of over-the-counter medications—what nursing students actually need to know beyond “you can buy it without a prescription.” We break down common OTC classes like analgesics, antacids, antihistamines, laxatives, and cough meds, while connecting pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety risks to everyday patient scenarios. From hidden drug interactions and misuse to the nurse’s critical role in patient education and clinical judgment, this deep dive helps you think like a nurse when patients say, “It’s just over the counter.”