Buyer’s Guide
Navigating the pharmacy aisles can feel overwhelming with countless options for every ailment. This comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions about common over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen, as OTC drugs can interact with prescription medications, supplements, and even eye drops.
Pain Management
Chronic Pain
Managing ongoing pain requires careful consideration. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) stands out as the first-line treatment for persistent pain lasting over three months. Adults should limit intake to 4 grams (8 extra-strength tablets) per 24 hours. Those who consume alcohol regularly or have liver concerns should discuss usage with their doctor.
For pain accompanied by inflammation, consider NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). While effective, these medications may cause digestive issues with prolonged use.
Migraines
Two effective approaches exist for migraine relief. Some find success with combination medications containing acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Others prefer NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, particularly if caffeine causes jitters. Important: Using pain relievers more than 10 days monthly may trigger rebound headaches.
PMS Symptoms
Naproxen (Aleve) excels at managing premenstrual symptoms by targeting inflammation-causing prostaglandins. While specialized PMS medications exist, they often include unnecessary ingredients like antihistamines and caffeine, which might worsen symptoms.
Digestive Issues
Gas Prevention
Rather than treating gas after it occurs, prevention is key. Beano contains enzymes that break down difficult-to-digest sugars in foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables. Products containing simethicone (Gas-X) show limited effectiveness for existing gas.
Heartburn Solutions
For occasional heartburn, antacids like Tums, Maalox, or Rolaids provide quick relief. Frequent sufferers might benefit from H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac), which offer extended protection.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) or lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) treat severe cases but require medical supervision due to potential complications.
Digestive Disturbances
For diarrhea at home, loperamide (Imodium A-D) provides superior relief. Travelers should pack bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for prevention, noting it may cause temporary darkening of tongue and stool.
For constipation, polyethylene glycol (MiraLax) offers gentle relief without harsh side effects. Avoid long-term use of stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl (Correctol) or senna (Ex-Lax).
Respiratory and Allergy Relief
Nasal Congestion
Short-term congestion responds well to oxymetazoline nasal sprays (Afrin) – limit use to three days maximum. For longer-term relief, obtain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) from behind the pharmacy counter. Avoid shelf-displayed phenylephrine products, which show minimal effectiveness.
Allergy Management
Modern antihistamines cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) provide comparable relief with fewer drowsy side effects than older options. If one causes drowsiness, try another.
Cough and Cold
Skip dextromethorphan-based cough suppressants. Instead, try honey-based lozenges or plain honey (adults and children over 1 year only). For runny noses, consider chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) despite potential drowsiness, or simply wait it out with tissues handy.
First Aid
Wound Care
Clean wounds need only proper washing and bandaging. For contaminated injuries, apply either Neosporin or Bacitracin to prevent infection, understanding both carry slight allergy risks. Avoid overusing antibiotic ointments to prevent bacterial resistance.
Deep cuts require professional evaluation for possible stitches, while severe burns warrant emergency care.
Important Note: This guide provides general information but cannot replace professional medical advice. Consult healthcare providers about specific conditions, especially for chronic issues or when taking other medications.