The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions the public that some common over-the-counter drugs can impede an individual's capability to drive and operate vehicles and machinery safely.

The common drugs in question include some types of nonprescription anti-diarrheals, antihistamines, and anti-nausea medicines, according to the FDA.

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"You can feel the effects some over-the-counter medicines can have on your driving for a short time after you take them, or their effects can last for several hours," said Dr. Ali Mohamadi, a medical officer at the FDA.

"In some cases, a medicine can cause significant 'hangover-like' effects and affect your driving even the next day."

Taking medication that induces drowsiness, coupled with a sleepless night, can increase fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

The FDA prompted the public to closely examine the labels of nonprescription medications before putting them into one's system, especially if the person will be driving or handling heavy machinery.

It also said individuals should make sure medicines to be taken at the same time don't have the same active ingredients since this will double the intended pharmaceutical effect, as well as doubling the possibility and degree of adverse reactions.

In addition, the FDA said one should read the whole "warning" part on the label to find out if the pharmaceutical should not be used with an existing condition.

It's also important to check the "When using this product" section on the label of the medication to figure out how the drug may affect the person, and whether there are notifications about impaired driving or drowsiness, the FDA said.

"If you don't read all your medicine labels and choose and use them carefully, you can risk your safety. If your driving is impaired, you could risk your safety, and the safety of your passengers and others," Dr. Mohamadi said.

TagsUS Food and Drug Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Medication, Drugs, drug, medicine, Nonprescription, Antihistamine, Anti-diarrheals, Anti-nausea