Over-the-counter medicines (2024)

FAQs

Over-the-counter medicines? ›

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be sold directly to people without a prescription. OTC medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms, including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, and others.

Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.

The most commonly used NOAs among the elderly included paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ibuprofen. Patients consumed the medications for intractable headaches, toothaches, fevers, colds and joint disorders.

Ointments and creams are the only antibiotics you'll find over the counter. These topical antibiotics are used to treat scrapes, wounds, burns, or acne. Multiple generic brands are available, but some names you may recognize are Neosporin, Polysporin, and Proactiv.

Find the group of medicines that treats the problem(s) or symptom(s) (such as pain, cough, or allergy). Find the form of medicine (such as tablet, capsule, or liquid) wanted. Read the “Drug Facts” label carefully on each medicine package.

What is the most successful drug ever? ›

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 442 participants who used OTC drugs from June to November 2021. Results: The most common OTC drugs used by patients involved in the study were paracetamol (13.35%), followed by ibuprofen (2.04%).

Popular examples include pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin 24H).

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Plus and OTC Card

Staying healthy is easier with a Healthfirst OTC Plus and OTC card. Save on items you use every day, such as toothpaste, eye drops, aspirin, and more, when you shop at participating neighborhood stores and select online retailers, with free home-delivery options available.

Carfentanil: Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid, is a 100-fold stronger version of fentanyl. It has 5,000 times the potency of heroin and 10,000 times the potency of morphine. There has been an increase in the amount of carfentanil in narcotics, and this substance nearly invariably results in overdose and death.

Prescription smart drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, have the strongest and most significant effects on memory and attention. Synthetic nootropic supplements like Noopept and piracetam are widely available, but research on their effectiveness in healthy adults is lacking.

Anticonvulsants are one of the most effective medications for treating nerve pain. Examples include pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin). These medications are typically very effective in treating nerve pain, but they may also cause undesired side effects, such as: lethargy.