What should you do before driving if you are taking a non-prescription drug?

Checking the label for warnings is crucial before driving after taking a non-prescription drug because the label provides essential information about potential side effects and interactions of the medication. Many over-the-counter drugs can impair your ability to drive safely, affecting your reaction times, coordination, and overall concentration. By reviewing the label, you can understand if the drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or any other effects that could compromise your driving abilities.

While consulting a doctor can be beneficial, particularly for prescription medications or if you have questions about specific health conditions, it is not always practical or necessary for non-prescription drugs where the label contains adequate warnings. Waiting a specific amount of time after taking a drug could be misleading since the effects can vary based on the individual, the drug, and the dosage. Avoiding driving altogether might be the safest choice in some contexts, but it is not necessary if the label indicates that the medication is safe to use before driving. Thus, checking the label is the most immediate, practical, and effective way to ensure safety before getting behind the wheel.