Introduction

Headaches and joint pains are more common than you think. More than 40% of individuals suffer from minor variations of aches, pains, and allergies at least once a month. You can save yourself a trip to the pharmacy each time by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are an essential part of every medicine cabinet. With this blog, we will run down all the points that can make sure that your cabinet is well-stocked to help you deal with minor afflictions.

So let’s take a closer look at each one to determine their different types, their uses, and some important dosage and safety tips.

 

1. Pain Relievers

Pain relievers can help you handle a lot of your daily aches and pains. They are categorised into four main types as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen.

Uses of Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen: Used for dealing with headaches, inflammation, and reducing fever

Ibuprofen: Great for dealing with migraines, muscle and joint aches, and reducing fever

Naproxen: Targets chronic pain from Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Muscle aches and pains, menstrual cramps, etc.

Dosage 

Acetaminophen: Typically 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 3000 mg in a day.

Ibuprofen: Typically 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 1200 mg in a day.

Naproxen: Between 220 mg to 550 mg, depending on the type of pain and its severity

 

WARNING: Dosage depends on weight and age. Consult your physician regularly to get the dosage that is right for you.

Safety Tips 

Acetaminophen: Avoid exceeding the maximum dosage to prevent liver damage.

Ibuprofen: Avoid usage if you have ulcers, kidney disease, or are taking blood thinners.

Also not advisable for those suffering from asthma or any bronchial diseases.

Naproxen: Take with food or milk to minimise stomach irritation. If you are asthmatic, Naproxen is not recommended.

 

2. Allergy Medications

For people with seasonal allergies, your medicine cabinet should be fully prepared to protect you when your symptoms overwhelm you. 

 

There are different allergy medications like Diphenhydramine and Loratadine. Both of these OTC medications counteract the effects of various allergies.  

Uses of Allergy Medications

Diphenhydramine: Works against allergic reactions, hives, and itching.

Loratadine: Great for seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis.

Cetirizine:  Used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching, watery eyes, and sneezing. It is effective in treating itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

Desloratadine: Used to treat allergy symptoms such as hives, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Fexofenadine: Another antihistamine that is used for treating allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, etc.

Levocetirizine: Used to relieve symptoms from hay fever and hives. Also works for symptoms covered by other antihistamines in this list.

 

Dosage 

Diphenhydramine: 25-50 mg every 4 - 6 hours. Max dosage of 300 mg/day

Loratadine: 10 mg once daily.

Cetirizine: 10 mg once daily

Desloratadine: 5 mg once daily

Fexofenadine: use 120 mg to 180 mg once dailyavailable here only 120mg and 180mg.

Levocetirizine: use 5 mg once daily in the evening

3. Cold and Flu Remedies

The common cold and the flu have a variety of OTC remedies to add to your cabinet inventory. The main ways to combat the cold or the flu at home are by using decongestants, cough suppressants, and combination medications. 

Uses of OTC Cold and Flu Remedies

Decongestants: narrows blood vessels in the nose to reduce congestion.

Cough Suppressants: Helps reduce the urge to cough, providing temporary relief.

Combination Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, and other OTC medications can be used to get relief from multiple symptoms like headaches, congestion, fever, etc.

Dosage

Decongestants: 

1. Pseudoephedrine: Maximum dosage of 60 mg every 4-6 hours. Max dosage of 240 mg per day

Safety tips 

Decongestants: Avoid using if you have High BP, Heart conditions, or thyroid issues.

Cough Suppressants: Can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol and be careful while taking other meds that can cause drowsiness.

Combination Medications: Active ingredients like acetaminophen can lead to overdose if intake is not monitored. Avoid drinking alcohol.

4. Antacids and Acid Reducers

Acid reflux and heartburn are common indigestion issues that every individual faces. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on OTC antacids and acid reducers like Calcium Carbonate, Ranitidine, and Omeprazole.

Uses of OTC Antacids and Acid Reducers

Heartburn: We all know about the burning sensation you get after acid reflux. These meds get rid of that burning sensation.

Indigestion: Antacids and acid reducers can reduce the symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating of the stomach or other discomfort.

Acid Reflux: Antacids and Acid reducers can stop the flow of stomach acids into the throat. This reduces your urge to throw up and minimises sore throat.

Dosage 

Calcium Carbonate (Tums): Chew 2-4 tablets as needed. The maximum dosage is 15 tablets/day.

Omeprazole (Prilosec): Typically 20-40 mg once a day before a meal.

5. Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Anti-diarrheal medications are great for slowing down gut movements and making your stool less watery. The most common over-the-counter medication for diarrhoea is loperamide, commonly known as Imodium.

Uses of Loperamide

1. Comes in handy for controlling symptoms of acute diarrhoea caused by infections, food intolerance, travel, etc.
2. Individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also prescribed Anti-Diarrheal Medications.

Dosage

For adults: 2 tablets (4 mg) initially. Followed by 1 tablet (2 mg) after loose movement

6. Laxatives

Constipation is a common stomach issue that can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Laxatives can help regularise your bowel movements. There are many types of laxatives, but stimulants and bulk-forming laxatives are the most well-known.

Uses of OTC Laxatives

Stimulant Laxatives: They stimulate the muscles of the intestines and promote bowel movement. These can be used to relieve constipation and prepare the bowel for medical exams like colonoscopies.

Eg: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Bulk-forming laxatives: They absorb water from the intestines, making the stool soft enough to pass. These can be used to relieve constipation.

E.g.: Psyllium (Metamucil)

 

Dosage 

Bisacodyl: 5-15 mg orally, once a day.

Psyllium: 1 rounded teaspoon with 8 ounces of water. Take it 1-3 times daily.

7. Topical Antibiotics

Cuts and scrapes are common for adults and children in any household. Having topical antibiotics like Neosporin or Bacitracin on hand can come in handy for preventing infections from occurring on the site of injury.

Uses of Topical Antibiotics

1. They can be applied to scrapes and cuts to prevent infections from taking place
2. Preventing infections can lead to faster and cleaner wound healing
3. Clean wound healing leads to reduced risk of scarring 

Dosage

Neosporin: Apply a small amount to the affected area around 1-3 times a day

Bacitracin: The process for application is the same as that of Neosporin

Safety Tips

Cover the wound with sterile bandaging after applying topical antibiotics to promote healing and protect it.

 

8. Antifungal Treatments

Fungal infections that occur on the skin can spread if not treated properly. Therefore, antifungal treatments are an essential part of your medicine cabinet. Let’s take a look at some of the most useful and popular antifungal treatments to have at home.

Uses of OTC Antifungal Treatments

1. Useful in treating against Athlete’s foot, a scaly rash that happens due to a fungal infection of the foot.
2. Antifungal Treatments do well to treat ringworm—a red, circular rash that can happen anywhere on the skin.
3. Yeast infections that affect skin, nails, and mucous membranes can also be treated with antifungal treatments.

Dosage

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin): Apply twice daily as directed for 2-4 weeks or more

Terbinafine (Lamisil): Apply once daily for 1-2 weeks as directed by your healthcare provider

Safety Tips

To get the best results in dealing with fungal infections, dry the affected area thoroughly before applying your chosen antifungal treatment.

 

9. Hydrocortisone Cream

Skin related irritations can be hard to control without medication. Having a tube of hydrocortisone cream can provide relief to various types of skin irritation.

Uses of 1% Hydrocortisone Cream

1. Used for relieving skin irritation and inflammation
2. Effective against skin rashes caused by allergies, contact dermatitis, and eczema
3. Useful in reducing swelling and inflammation due to insect bites
4. Helps manage skin irritation from plants like poison ivy, soaps, and detergents.

Dosage

1% Hydrocortisone Cream: Apply 1-2 times daily as directed.

10. Antihistamine Eye Drops

Similar to irritated skin, your eyes can also be affected by minor irritations. Itchy and irritated eyes can be dealt with using Antihistamine eye drops. The most common antihistamine drops are Ketotifen (Zaditor) and Naphazoline (Clear Eyes).

Uses of Antihistamine drops

1. Relieving itchiness eyes caused by allergies, pollen, dander, and other allergens.
2. Reducing redness and swelling in the eyes
3. Useful for dealing with watery eyes and burning sensations

Dosage

Ketotifen (Zaditor): Use 1 drop in the eye. Apply twice daily. Do not exceed 2 doses in a day.

Naphazoline (Clear Eyes): Use 1-2 drops in the eye. Apply up to 4 times daily.

Conclusion

There are plenty of minor issues that you can deal with using the right medications. Keep your medicine cabinets stocked up with OTC medications to be on the safer side. 

 

You can treat minor cuts and scrapes, deal with migraines, constipation, diarrhoea, skin and eye irritants, fungal infections and more at home by following the right dosage for OTC medications. 

 

Here are some quick tips to ensure that your medicine cabinet is equipped to help you effectively manage issues that can pop up.

• Make sure to do a monthly check of your medical cabinet
• Keep an eye on the expiration date of various medications
• Never go over the recommended dosages
• Contact your healthcare provider before taking medications in combination

 

Are you still stuck wondering how to get the best over-the-counter medications for your home? For the best OTC medications in Qatar, you can always check out Care n Cure’s online store. 

 

Shop now and stock up on all the right OTC meds for your medicine cabinet!