Mosbys OTC Drugs:: A Resource for Health Professionals is a concise, portable reference covering readily available over-the-counter products. It provides health professionals with important information about the many OTC medications their patients may be taking to manage health problems or symptoms, and it offers an authoritative resource to consult when patients ask for advice about OTC medications that might help manage discomfort or other symptoms. An increasing number of prescription drugs are available for over-the-counter sale, a trend that is expected to continue. At the same time, factors such as an increased awareness of health issues, concerns over the health care costs, and the expansion of managed care plans are causing consumers to take greater responsibility for their health. As a result, 70-90% of all illnesses are estimated to be self-treated, typically with OTC medications and other health products.