BROWSE ALL
Over-the-Counter Guides
Expert-curated over-the-counter (OTC) guides providing comprehensive, easy-to-understand information. Access reliable, up-to-date self-care information based on the same guidelines your doctors follow.
January 11, 2025
Eczema: American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines
First-line treatments are moisturizers to restore the skin barrier. Use emollients (e.g., glycol stearate), occlusive agents (e.g., petrolatum), and humectants (e.g., glycerol) generously, 2–3 times daily and after bathing. For flares, second-line treatments include wet wrap therapy with low-potency corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone 1% cream, to reduce inflammation. Severe or resistant cases may require prescription-strength topical medications, systemic corticosteroids, or biologics like dupilumab for long-term control.
January 11, 2025
Insomnia: Know Your Options
Non-pharmacological strategies include improving sleep hygiene and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Over-the-counter options include melatonin (1–5 mg 1–2 hours before bed), diphenhydramine (25–50 mg at bedtime), or valerian root (300–600 mg before bed), though benefits are modest and user preference varies. For persistent or severe cases, consider prescription medications like zolpidem, ramelteon, or suvorexant under a doctor’s guidance.
January 10, 2025
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
OTC guide to dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual cramps, including heat therapy and NSAIDs. The over-the-counter progesterone-only contraceptive pill, norgestrel (Opill), may also help if not planning pregnancy. Alternatives for those unable to use NSAIDs include acetaminophen or self-acupressure techniques. Severe or persistent symptoms may require prescription treatments, such as combined hormonal contraceptives or GnRH agonists for underlying conditions like endometriosis.
January 10, 2025
Severe Constipation & Fecal Impaction: What to Do
Fecal impaction is a serious condition requiring prompt action. First-line treatments include warm saline or mineral oil enemas to soften stool and manual disimpaction using lubricated gloves. For persistent cases, stimulatory suppositories like bisacodyl (10 mg) may aid rectal passage. Prevent recurrence with a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity, and maintenance of stool softness using oral osmotic laxatives.
January 10, 2025
Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins Management
Medical guidelines recommend first-line treatments like graduated compression stockings (20-30 mmHg) to improve venous return, along with lifestyle changes such as leg elevation, avoiding prolonged sitting/standing, and regular exercise. Supplements like horse chestnut seed extract (300 mg) can help reduce swelling, pain, and itching. For severe cases, prescription medications or interventions like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), or surgical options may be necessary.
January 10, 2025
Morning Sickness: 3 Lines of Defense
ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189 recommends managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy with first-line strategies like hydration, 400–800 μg/day folic acid supplementation, ginger capsules (250 mg four times daily), and P6 acupressure wristbands. Second-line options include vitamin B6 tablets, taken throughout the day, with or without doxylamine. If symptoms persist, third-line treatments like dimenhydrinate or prescription medications such as doxylamine-pyridoxine (Diclegis), promethazine, or ondansetron may be necessary.
January 10, 2025
Pinworm OTC Eradication
Around 20% of children develop pinworms before adulthood. Confirm diagnosis using the tape test, collecting eggs on adhesive tape and analyzing them under a microscope. Manage the infection with hygiene measures like frequent handwashing and washing bed linens in hot water. First-line treatment includes pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg as a single dose, repeat in 2 weeks). Treatment can extended to all household members to prevent reinfection.
January 10, 2025
Getting Rid of Head Lice
Treat head lice effectively with over-the-counter options like permethrin 1% lotion or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide, applied to the scalp for 10 minutes and rinsed, with a repeat treatment in 7–10 days. For resistant cases, prescription options such as ivermectin 0.5% lotion, malathion 0.5% lotion, or oral ivermectin may be necessary. Ensure thorough application and follow-up to eradicate lice and nits.
January 10, 2025
Hair Loss: At-Home Regrowth
Topical OTC minoxidil can promote hair regrowth in over 80% of users by improving scalp blood flow. Men can use 2–5% topical solution or foam twice daily, while women should apply it once daily. For advanced cases, prescription options like oral finasteride or off-label oral minoxidil may provide additional benefits.
January 10, 2025
Common Cold: Get Better Quicker
Evidence-backed methods to treat your cold. Saline nasal sprays or irrigation can help alleviate congestion, while decongestants and cough suppressants provide additional relief. Consider zinc supplements (≥75 mg/day within 24 hours of onset) to reduce symptom duration and probiotics to help prevent future URTIs or shorten illness duration.