If two OTC products contain the same active ingredient, which risk increases?

• A. Increased price
• B. Allergic reaction
• C. Overdose
• D. Ineffectiveness

Answer: (C)

When two OTC products share the same active ingredient, the main risk is overdose because the doses from both products can add up. Each product has a labeled amount you’re supposed to take, and using both means you could exceed the safe total for that ingredient. This is especially true for ingredients like acetaminophen, where taking more than the recommended daily amount can cause serious harm to the liver. Reading labels and avoiding using multiple products with the same ingredient helps prevent stacking the dose.

Other options aren’t as directly tied to this situation. Allergic reactions depend on individual sensitivities to ingredients, not simply on duplication of the active ingredient. Price isn’t automatically higher just because two products share the same active ingredient, and ineffectiveness isn’t caused by duplication—it's more about whether the chosen product actually addresses your symptoms.