Over-the-counter, or OTC, medications play an important role in treating everything from acne to pain. However, in some cases an OTC medication can cause more symptoms than it treats, especially if you are allergic to an active ingredient in the medication. The results may even be deadly, depending on how severe your body reacts.
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The common cold may make your kid feel miserable, but remember that there is no cure for it. Antibiotics won’t help, and in fact, if you give these to your child often, they can make her more susceptible to infections in ...
Trying to find the right over-the-counter medication to ease your toddler's allergy symptoms is often a daunting task. There seem to be a million choices: stuffy nose relief, runny nose relief, cough or any combination of these...
Estrogen -- the hormone that essentially makes women “female” -- can alleviate negative effects during menopause, the time of life when a woman’s hormonal balance shifts. Several factors can accelerate the shi...
Food is composed of complex molecules. Your body must break these molecules down into simple forms for use, and for this purpose your pancreas excretes digestive enzymes. Each digestive enzyme helps break down an essential nutr...
Stomach acid can irritate the esophagus. People who have recurrent bouts of severe heartburn may have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is commonly referred to as acid reflux. Several over-the-counter heartburn reme...
Rolaids tablets are available in three varieties: Original, Extra Strength and Multi-Symptom. The latter variety is used to treat gas pain and discomfort. All three contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide as active in...
Cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick to your meals. Similar to many foods, it might offer medicinal benefits as well. Many over-the-counter pain relief creams contain capsaicin, one of the primary active components. Nasal prepar...
Pregnancy may be having you feeling uncomfortable enough, but pair it with a cold and you may be just plain miserable. Pregnancy limits the amount and types of cold medicines that you can take. For the safest and most effective...
Nasal congestion, commonly known as a "stuffy nose," is caused by an inflammation of the nasal tissues and vasculature with or without discharge. The most common cause of congestion is either a viral or bacterial infection. In ...
Some herbal remedies may also help. Hops, the herb commonly used to brew beer, may reduce the pain of tension headaches, but clinical studies confirming its effects are nonexistent. If you suffer from frequent or severe headach...
If you're not getting enough fiber in your regular diet, health publications, doctors and other experts have identified several specific over-the-counter fiber supplements that can help you meet your fiber intake goals. Because...
Alternative and natural treatments for common diseases have become so popular that various herbal medicines have joined the ranks of pharmaceutical drugs as over-the-counter products in many pharmacies and health food stores. A...
This biological process occurs in all women, and while the symptoms of menopause may differ from woman to woman, many find "the change" an unpleasant or difficult experience. Because of this, supplement manufacturers have creat...
Both promote the use of human growth hormone, or HGH, as an "anti-aging" treatment. But Stephen Barrett, M.D., co-founder of the National Council Against Health Fraud, says that over-the-counter HGH supplements don't work. HGH ...
Hot peppers have a long history of use as a food, a flavoring for food or drinks, and an herbal supplement. Capsaicin is available for topical use in over-the-counter and prescription formulations for select approved uses by th...
Hearing loss affects 17 percent of people in the U.S., resulting from noise, age and sometimes vitamin deficiency. It takes an average of seven years from the time the affected suspect hearing loss to the time they seek treatme...
Alli is the over-the-counter version of orlistat, a diet aid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designed to block the amount of fat your body absorbs. The Alli plan limits you to 15 mg of fat with each meal, and ...
Approximately 147 million adults take analgesics on a monthly basis and, of these, 30 percent take more than one analgesic. As approximately 76 percent of the pain medications are purchased over-the-counter, caution should be u...
Conditions such as motion sickness, migraines, viral gastroenteritis, strong odors and peptic ulcers can trigger nausea. Nausea is often the result of a situational stimulant or a common virus, but watch for signs that indicate...
Originally from Europe, there are over 50 species worldwide. The plant grows 2 to 4 feet high in shade to full sun. Commonly considered a weed by most, Kansas State University calls the nettle a widely overlooked medicinal herb...
"Neuro" refers to nerves, and "pathy" means abnormal. Diabetes is responsible for 30 percent of all cases, according to The Neuropathy Association. Tumors, autoimmune disorders, heredity and toxins are some of the other causes....
Typically, the gels contain medication to help heal sores, cankers, gum disease and denture irritation. Some gels target specific problems such as dry mouth. Many antiseptic mouth gels are available over-the-counter but you can...
The stomach, by design, is an acidic environment. Its acidic juices aid in the breakdown or digestion of your food. The acid in your stomach becomes problematic only when the stomach produces too much or when it refluxes or bac...
Imitrex is available in both a tablet and nasal spray form. It is part of the class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists, which prevent certain signals from reaching the brain. As of 2010, Imitrex require...
Most influenza cases can be treated at home, but FamilyDoctor.org warns that you should call the doctor if a fever rises above 102 degrees, or if there is trouble breathing, chest pain, mental changes, persistent vomiting, seve...
Alli is a non-prescription weight-loss medication sold by GlaxoSmithKline. According to "USA Today," it became the first over-the-counter weight loss drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While Alli is conside...
Candida is not harmful in small amounts, but when hormonal imbalances occur an overgrowth may take place. It thrives in areas that are moist or have high levels of sugar. An overgrowth of candida causes an infection that must b...
Sore muscles can be the first sign of positive improvement after exercise, but may also be a sign of serious muscle damage if the soreness is severe. In both cases, however, OTC, or over-the-counter medications, ice therapy and...
Common candida infections include oral thrush, skin rash and vaginitis. Several cost-effective and efficient over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available to treat these conditions. However, improper self-diagnosis is common...
This member of the mint family was given the Spanish name meaning "good herb" for a reason. It has numerous medicinal applications due to its ability to counteracting harmful microbes, cancer, spasm and vomiting. Most mints ar...
Icy Hot is a topical cream or balm sold over-the-counter for relief of muscle aches and pains, bruising, and arthritis. Its active, or primary, ingredients include analgesic compounds, meaning that the compounds help relieve pa...
Treatments for molluscum contagiosum include the topical irritants: trichloroacetic acid, 25 to 40 percent solution; cantharidin; tazarotene; Retin-A, or tretinoin; and Aldara, or imiquimod 5 percent cream. These drugs require ...
Rectal bleeding is defined by MayoClinic.com as bleeding that occurs anywhere from the lower colon to the rectum. Blood from rectal bleeding can range in color from bright red to dark maroon, depending on where the bleeding occ...
Prevacid is the trade name for the drug lansoprazole and is indicated for the treatment of conditions associated with excess stomach acid such as heartburn, intestinal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal ref...
An inhaler is a handheld device used to administer medication directly to the lungs. Children with respiratory conditions such as asthma are often prescribed an inhaler either to prevent symptoms or to be used in the event of ...
The product, available as liquid capsule or in liquid form, contains dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, doxylamine and pseudoephedrine as active ingredients. In combination, these ingredients help treat a stuffy or runny nose, co...
Whether you're dealing with the demands of a stressful job or just didn't get enough sleep last night, you may find that you need an energy-boosting product to help you get through the day. Unfortunately, there are so many opti...
According to 2010 information from the National Kidney Foundation, UTIs are responsible for 10 million doctor's visits annually. Over-the-counter solutions can effectively treat most UTIs without the use of prescription antibio...
Behavioral adaptation allows animals to adjust more quickly to immediate threats, though it usually takes much longer than a single generation to become a part of the species' characteristic behavior.
Doctors can prescribe allergy medicines for short-term, seasonal use or relief from multiple allergies.
Mosby's Drug Consult notes that Fioricet is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by the company, Watson Pharmaceuticals, that was approved in 1984 by the FDA to treat tension and muscle contraction headaches (Reference 1...
In addition to the biological occurrence of this enzyme within the body, pepsin supplements can also be taken to boost levels naturally. Available at most drug stores in both the form of an over-the-counter supplement and as a...
Scarring can be superficial, penetrating only the top most layers of tissue, they can go deep into the skin or they can protrude from the skin causing a bump. Acne scar medications are topical in form, and several over-the-coun...
The organisms causing fungal infections of the toes thrive in warm, moist areas, such as showers and swimming pools. These dermatophytes can cause athlete's foot, affecting the toes, and onycomycosis, affecting the toenail...
According to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Delsym is an American brand-name over-the-counter cough syrup developed and marketed by the pharmaceutical company, Reckitt Benckiser. The active ingredient in Delsym is d...
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin that causes pink or pale discolored patches. This area of skin irritation can become flaky and itchy. Several over-the-counter antifungal medications are available, which are e...
According to familydoctor.org, a website managed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, most minor wounds will heal without the use of an antibiotic cream, but using one of these creams can aid in scar prevention. There ...
Ligaments give a joint stability, as in the ligaments in the knee joint when standing or walking. A patient may injure a ligament during a fall or as a result of a blow to a particular joint. This can cause pain, swelling, sti...
Congestion results in sinus pressure in the face and head that is painful for the toddler and a stuffy nose sensation that makes breathing difficult. The American Pediatrics Association doesn't recommend over-the-counter cold m...
Hospice Net.org reports that when taken on a regular basis, some of these medications have fewer side effects than prescription medications and can provide as much pain relief. In addition, those who use both prescription and n...
If you experience a loss of consciousness, numbness in an arm or leg, a loss of vision, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, speaking or understanding words or a headache that is not relieved by rest and over-the-counter pain medi...
Although your dermatologist or doctor offers potent facial products to help recondition and improve your facial skin's health, over-the-counter creams from department stores or drugstores can also help. For day creams, look for...
Several over-the-counter face creams can also effectively moisturize and rejuvenate your skin, often at a much lower price point. But be wary, as many products are only backed by their manufacturer's exaggerated claims. For the...
Braces are the fixed orthodontic devices that slowly guide your teeth into the right positions for a straight smile. Most people get braces during their formative years, between the ages of 10 and 14, although adults can get br...
They account for 60 percent of all medication use in the United States, according to an article written by Dr. Ronald Black in the June 2003 issue of the journal "American Family Physician." The University of Chicago Center for...
Piles generally will clear up on their own in one to two weeks if untreated. But most people who experience them prefer immediate relief, especially when the hemorrhoids are painful or bleeding. Treatments for piles attempt to ...
Over-the-counter estrogen creams typically contain bio-identical, or plant-based estrogen called phytoestrogen. As with prescription creams, they are supposed to relieve common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vagina...
Homeopathic medicine was created by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. It is based on three principles: that like cures like; that the smaller the dilution, the more effective the remedy; and that one remedy can cure an...
Hot packs are available for purchase over-the-counter and are often used to provide temporary pain relief to an injury. You can also use them to warm the hands, other body parts or food items. Most heat packs are single-use, me...
One of the earliest forms of these drugs, first sold in 1899, was acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin. While it may not have been classified as such then, aspirin is an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-...
Common types of OTC medications include treatment for pain, nausea, diarrhea, itching, allergies, congestion and difficulty falling to sleep. OTC medications include pills, gels, rubs, sprays and liquids.
Icy Hot is a topical medication available over the counter without a physician's prescription. The medicine uses a combination of ingredients---including menthol and methyl salicylate---to dull pain and relax muscles. The alter...
In addition, pain will be worse at night and with movement, according to Medline Plus. Most cases of tendinitis can be treated conservatively with rest, ice and over-the-counter medications.
Medication safety tips help people prevent medication errors and adverse drug reactions or negative drug effects. Sometimes these occur despite following all precautions and directions. But many adverse drug reactions occur bec...
Generic medications have the same chemical ingredients as those of the brand name drugs. They are typically manufactured by companies other than those that developed the original medicine, and they generally sell at a lower pri...
Pain can be caused by a whole host of medical ailments including headache, back ache, injury and burns. It can cause you to have a decreased quality of life. It can affect your work, personal life and even social life. Taking n...
There are a variety of them on the market as both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-level drugs. They may be used in the treatment of any condition in which there is pain from inflammation, but they are typically associat...
Amoxicillin and clavulanate are the two medications combined to make the brand-name medication Augmentin. A physician must write a prescription to dispense the medicine because it is not available over-the-counter. The medicati...
No one likes to get the flu. But the flu can be particularly hard on children, especially young children who may not understand that their symptoms are temporary. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your chil...
Everyone's experienced it. It's misery. Sinus congestion,or the swelling of the mucous membranes lining the nasal and sinus passages, is one of life's small torments. Aside from causing the acutely uncomfortable feeling of o...
Consumer Price Watch notes that Phenterfein's name is intentionally similar to Phentermine--a prescription-only, amphetamine-like stimulant. Despite the phonetic similarity to this prescription drug, Phenterfein is marketed as ...
Though some symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medications, orthopedic surgery may be necessary for some patients.
The NLM states that the inflammation is caused by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle and shaving. Once the follicle has been damaged, it can become infected with staphylococcus bacteria. There are several ways to ...
Salicylic acid and sulfur are keratolytic agents and benzoyl peroxide has keratolytic properties. Keratolytics are often found in wart, callous and corn removal products as well as some dandruff shampoos and skin care product...
These plaques may cover one or more small portions or large areas of the affected person's skin. Psoriasis sufferers may also experience blisters that ooze pus on the palms of their hands or the soles of their feet, itching, jo...
Threadworms (pinworms) are the most common worm humans can contract. Thread-like in appearance, these worms are white and can grow up to 1.5 centimeters long. They survive inside the human body causing itching and irritation ar...
It is based on the idea that the body can heal itself, if enabled with appropriate support. You might see it on the shoulders of Olympic volleyball players or the calves of a suburban runner. The use of Kinesio tape involves ta...
A headache can result from tension, stress, depression or anxiety. Headaches can occur from lack of sleep or food or as a consequence of drinking. Migraine and sinus headaches often are side effects of other medical conditions....
Pain is an experience that human beings dislike and try to avoid; however, it is a common complaint for which many seek medical care. Today, multiple medications are on the market for the purpose of treating varying degrees an...
Wal-Mart has produced an extensive array of over-the-counter generic drugs that in general are cheaper than their name-brand counterparts. The Wal-Mart brand is called Equate. The company has medications for colds, allergies, i...
Grinding can lead to jaw pain and headaches. A night guard fits over the teeth, keeping upper and lower teeth from making contact with each other. Night guards come in over-the-counter and custom styles.
Midol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that relieves symptoms directly related to premenstrual syndrome. Midol, which comes in either tablet or caplet form, is typically used by women who are of child-bearing age and are af...
It recently was approved by the FDA under the trade name of Anthelios SX. Mexoryl has three primary ingredients. Avobenzone and octocrylene, two ingredients found in many over-the-counter sunscreens, are effective at blocking U...
The exact cause of psoriasis can only be guessed at. The process that creates it, however, is known. Skin cells typically rejuvenate about once a month. In those with psoriasis, this process is elevated, the dead cells piling u...
Folliculitis can result from shaving, friction between the skin and clothing, excessive sweating or infected cuts or wounds. Superficial folliculitis, a condition in which the staph bacteria infects the hair follicles, often ca...
In most cases, patients seem to react well to these, which is why doctors are usually weary of moving on to more invasive drugs. Most of these medications are available over-the-counter, such as the case of aspirin or piroxicam...
In the meantime, however, you can make her a little more comfortable by giving her a cold, damp towel to wrap around her arm or an icepack to hold in place. Though over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can...
What qualifies as a medication? A complete list is probably longer than you think and includes any prescriptions you take, herbal supplements, vitamins and any over-the-counter drugs you use on a regular basis. Start by making...
