With all the choices of over-the-counter (OTC) products available in the marketplace, it is increasingly difficult to select the proper product(s) for you and your family.
To help you in your decision-making process, the MedicineNet.com Doctors and Pharmacists have provided an easy-to-follow format to help you understand which products may work better for specific conditions and how to choose the products that are most appropriate for your needs.
We recommend the following as an excellent resource when you are uncertain of how the ingredients in common over-the-counter remedies may affect the symptoms you want to treat.
- Acne Home Care
- Pain and Fever Medicines
- Antiemetics
- Asthma
- Athlete's Foot
- Birth Control
- Burns
- Cold/Flu/Allergy
- Corns
- Dandruff
- Diabetic Home Care and Monitoring
- Diarrhea
- Drug Interactions
- Dyspepsia and Heartburn
- Ear Wax
- External Otitis
- Eye Care
- Gas, Flatulence and Bloating
- Hair Loss
- Hemorrhoids and Anal Itching
- Infant Formulas
- Insect Stings and Bites
- Itching
- Lactose Intolerance
- Laxatives for Constipation
- Menstrual Cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Quitting Smoking
- Seborrhea
- Sleep Aids and Stimulants
- Sun Protection & Sunscreens
- Warts
- Weight Loss and Maintenance
- Yeast Vaginitis
- Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Summary
OTC drugs are available without a prescription, simply "over the counter." Find an easy-to-follow format to help you understand which products may work better for specific conditions and how to choose the products that are most appropriate.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Jock Itch
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Yeast Infection (in Women and Men)
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Hip Bursitis
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Shingles
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Folliculitis
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Foot Pain
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Diarrhea (Causes, Medicine, Remedies, Treatment)
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Pericoronitis
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Hair Loss
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Acne (Pimples)
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Sciatica
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Psoriasis
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Kidney Stones (nephrolithiasis)
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome
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Jet Lag
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Atopic Dermatitis
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Lower Back Pain
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae,...
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Corns
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Warts (Common Warts)
Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common...
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Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms...
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Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of...
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Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence)
Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch....
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Teething
Teething in babies typically starts between 4 and 10 months of age. Symptoms and signs of cutting teeth include rash, drooling,...
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Itch (Itching or Pruritus)
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...
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Constipation (Relief, Home Remedies, Treatment Medications)
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week....
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Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain) Symptoms, Relief Remedies, Medicine
Indigestion (dyspepsia) can be caused by diseases or conditions that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and also by some...
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Eye Strain
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Raynaud's Phenomenon
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Obesity
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Knee Pain
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Athlete's Foot
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Corneal Ulcer
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Torn Meniscus
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Peripheral Neuropathy (Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Medications)
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Sjogren's Syndrome
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Alopecia Areata
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Birth Control Options (Types and Side Effects)
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Melasma
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Pimple vs. Cold Sore
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Head Lice
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Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
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Is Ringworm Contagious?
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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
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Moles
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Molluscum Contagiosum
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Sty
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Cold Sores (Nongenital Herpes Simplex Infections)
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Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact...
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Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment
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Tinea Versicolor
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DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis
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Earwax Removal
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Anxiety
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Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
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Knee Injury
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Scalp Psoriasis (Psoriasis of the Scalp)
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Lactose Intolerance
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
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Head Lice vs. Dandruff
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Sprains and Strains
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Dandruff (Seborrhea)
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Burns (First Aid)
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Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
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Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
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Menstrual Cramps
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Shingles and Pregnancy
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
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Zika Virus (Zika Fever)
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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
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Scars
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Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp
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Is Dandruff (Seborrhea) Contagious?
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Stretch Marks
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Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants)
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Braces and Retainers
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Infant Formulas
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Bug Bites and Stings
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Tips for Managing Type 1 and 2 Diabetes at Home
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Heart Attack Prevention
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Sunscreen
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Insect Sting Allergies
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Treatment & Diagnosis
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- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Athlete's Foot: How to Prevent Athlete's Foot
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- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Hyperhidrosis Treatment
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- What to Do in a Drug Recall
- Osteoarthritis of the Hands
- Flu: What to Do if You Get the Flu
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Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- FDA Warns of Deaths Tied to Tainted Synthetic Pot
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- Common Meds and Dementia: How Strong Is the Link?
- America's Rural Elderly Face Barriers to Health Care
- Omega 3 Supplements Don't Help With Depression: Review
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- Health Food Stores Often Promote Adult-Only Supplements to Teens
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- New Approaches to Acne Treatment
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- FDA Warns Against Prescription Drugs With High Levels of Acetaminophen
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- Health Highlights: Aug. 30, 2013
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- Defeating Dandruff
- Over-the-Counter Bug Bite Remedies Don't Work: Report
- Bufferin, Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X Recalled
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
