OTC Motrin vs. RX Motrin... What is the difference?

[AKL_Megs]

This is a question fit for the Dis

I was diagnosed with Strep Throat last night

My doctor prescribed a few meds, Vicodin for the pain, an antibiotic Z Pack for the strep, and 600mg Motrin.

Now, I have two bottles of 200mg Motrin right here in my linen closet. Why couldn't I have just taken 3 of those? It's the same active ingredient!

It has me thinking that there must be SOMETHING different between the OTC and the RX, otherwise, wouldn't doctors just recommend you get OTC and take 3 pills? The cost is about the same... my RX was $4, the OTC is about $4.

So... Tell me what you know!

 

[Disney Doll]

I've never seen a difference. There are those who would argue there is a difference.

 

[NotUrsula]

As far as I've been able to discover, nothing. A lot of doctors prefer the prescription because they want to be able to tell you to take one pill every X number of hours, not 3 pills. They mostly are concerned that you might get confused and take the wrong number of pills, I think.

Whenever I get a scrip like that, I just ignore it and take the equivalent dose using the OTC pills that I already have.

 

[sandramaac]

It is the exact same medication, and ultimately it is cheaper to have the higher dosage perscribed for you, unless perhaps you have a large generic bottles from one the the price clubs.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Prescription comes in higher doses. They give it to me when I need to take a lot, but don't want to take so many pills. (the one I had was 800mg).

If you are fine with taking more pills--no need to get the prescription. Just take the correct dosage of the size pill you have.