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The following are suggested medications available over-the-counter
(OTC) that you might want to consider keeping handy. These fall
into three categories, medications for: minor conditions that most
of us experience at some time; problems that certain people experience
from time to time; and relief from particular problems specific
to women.
OTC medications for minor conditions experienced by most people
at some time
Oral pain relief
 e.g.
aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol, or any combination product which
may contain any of the above and an opioid analagesic e.g. codeine
or dihydrocodeine. Available in tablet, capsule and effervescent
tablet form, all are suitable for a wide range of aches and pains
including migraine, period pain and toothache. They also have a
fever reducing (anti pyretic) effect.
Topical/muscular pain relief
Available as creams, ointments, sprays, mousses and gels, for sporting
injuries, sprains and muscular pains.
Cough preparations
Available as a liquid or lozenges to stop a cough (suppressants)
or loosen it (expectorants).
Sore throat medicine
Pastilles, lozenges, sprays or gargles which may contain a local
anaesthetic or antiseptic.
Other cold relief products
Decongestants for blocked noses are available as sprays, drops,
capsules or tablets. Combination remedies containing pain relievers
and decongestants are available in various formulations.
Antiseptics
Creams, solutions and ointments for treating minor cuts, grazes
and burns.
If you have experienced any of the conditions mentioned below
you may want to consider keeping a small supply of an appropriate
self-medication treatment at home
Indigestion
Tablets, capsules, powders and suspensions are available. Antacids
which neutralise excess acid, alginates which prevent acid reaching
the oesophagus/windpipe, or acid suppressants (H2 antagonists).
Hayfever/allergy
Antihistamines are available as tablets and nasal sprays containing
corticosteroids. Suitable for relief of hayfever and other allergies.
Antihistamines or hydrocortisone may be needed for skin allergies
such as hives or insect bites. Eye drops containing either sodium
cromoglycate or xylometazoline for itchy, sore eyes caused by allergies.
 Diarrhoea
Capsules containing loperamide on its own or in combination with
other products, such as oral rehydration solutions, can provide
relief or replace lost fluid and minerals.
Fungal infections - athletes foot
Available as a cream, powder or ointment containing clotrimazole
or miconazole nitrate.
Cold sores
Anti virals to treat the cold sore. Combinations of astringents,
antiseptics and local anaesthetics.
OTC medications specific to women
Fungal infections- vaginal thrush
Creams, ointments or capsules are available. Some contain analgesics
to help reduce
associated pain.
Cystitis
Available as effervescent powders or granules.
Multivitamin plus extra folic acid
Women of childbearing age who are trying to conceive or are in the
early stages of pregnancy are recommended to take folic acid.
For more information on health supplements visit www.hsis.org
Guidelines for everyone on self-treating
safely
- Keep all medicines in a secure place, out of sight and
reach of small children and preferably where an adult can
keep an eye on them eg the kitchen
- Keep all medicines in their original container and take
precautions to avoid them being affected by heat and humidity
- Always read and follow the instructions, do not exceed
the stated dose or treatment period.
- Do not use or keep medicines past their sell-by date
- Women who are pregnant should consult their GP before
taking OTC medicines
- Always check with your pharmacist or practice nurse before
taking an OTC medicine if you are already taking any prescription
or complimentary medicines
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For more information on which products to buy for your medicine
chest visit
www.medicine-chest.co.uk
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