Common Examples of Over the Counter Drugs For common symptoms and minor illnesses, we have enumerated examples of over the counter drugs that are easily and readily accessible from stores even without the prescription of the doctor. Better be aware of the correct drug and the right amount of dosage to treat commonly acquired or developed illnesses. Moreover, some examples of over the counter drugs may not be suitable for women who are expectant or lactating. Better consult first the doctor to verify which among the examples of over the counter drugs is safe for you. Also, some of the examples of over the counter drugs aren’t apt for children. Below are examples of over the counter (OTC) drugs to keep you guided. If you aren’t sure which among the examples of over the counter drugs is best for you, ask the pharmacist for more information before making a purchase. Aches, Pains and Headaches Over the counter drugs can serve as pain relievers for headaches, sprains, arthritis pain and minor joint and muscle pain. A person can take Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, never get more than 4 grams of Acetaminophen in one day. Examples of over the counter drug for NSAIDS are ibuprofen and naproxen. Fever If suffering from fever, take acetaminophen every 4 – 6 hours. It is good for turning down the brain’s thermostat. Another alternative is to take ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. However, children who are under the age of 6 months should not be given ibuprofen. For adults, aspirin can be taken in order to treat fever. Never give aspirin to children unless prescribed by the doctor. Colds, Sore Throat and Cough To help aid the symptoms of colds and coughs, take the following examples of over the counter drugs: Guafenesin, menthol throat lozenges such as Halls, Robitusin and Vicks or liquid cough suppressants with dextromethorphan such as Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM, Simply Cough and Vicks 44. To help get rid of a runny nose and relieve postnatal drip, you may take oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Contact Non-Drowsy, Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)—provided you don’t have high blood pressure or prostate problems. For sore throat problems, you may take painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) or spray Dyclonine (Cepacol) or phenol (Chloraseptic) that both help numb the pain. Allergies
One of the many examples of over the counter drug that works well with allergies is antihistamine pills such as dipenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimetron), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), or clemastine (Tavist). However, the above mentioned drugs can cause drowsiness. For antihistamines that cause minimal or no sleepiness, take loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, Dimetapp ND), fexofenadine (Allegra), or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Nausea and Vomiting To relieve nausea and vomiting, take Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol. To cure motion sickness, take dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine, Antivert, Postafen, and Sea Legs). Skin Rashes and Itching For mild rashes, apply Hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid or Cortizone 10). Diarrhea For mild diarrhea, you can take over the counter drugs with bismuth such as Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol. Always ask the pharmacist for recommendations if hesitant to get which among the examples of over the counter (OTC) drugs suits you and your condition. Remember to follow instructions indicated in the packaging or box medicine. Never take over the counter medicines longer or in higher doses than what the label recommends.
Source: Common Examples of Over the Counter Drugs