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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
Acid Reflux (GERD): American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines
Manage chronic acid reflux (GERD) with the same medial guidelines doctors follow. First-line treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole (20 mg daily, 30–60 minutes before the largest meal) for patients with symptoms 2+ times per week. For additional relief, second-line options include H2-receptor antagonists like famotidine or antacids like calcium carbonate for occasional breakthrough symptoms.
January 11, 2025
Acute Nailbed Infection Solutions
Treat acute paronychia with warm soaks (plain, Burow’s solution, or 1:1 white vinegar-water mixture) 2–4 times daily to reduce swelling and promote drainage. Apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin-polymyxin B (Polysporin) and hydrocortisone 1% cream after each soak to enhance healing and reduce inflammation. For severe cases with abscess or spreading cellulitis, prescription antibiotics or professional incision and drainage 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
Dandruff: Proven Methods for Relief
Manage dandruff with first-line OTC medicated shampoos such as pyrithione zinc (1%, used 2–3 times weekly) or ketoconazole (1%, used twice weekly) to address the underlying Malassezia yeast. For persistent symptoms, second-line options like selenium sulfide or coal tar shampoos may help. Severe cases may require prescription corticosteroids or stronger antifungal treatments like 2% ketoconazole shampoo.
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
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
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
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
Motion Sickness Prevention
Options like dimenhydrinate (50 mg every 4–6 hours) or meclizine (25–50 mg once daily), taken before travel, suppress nausea signals. For longer-lasting relief, prescription scopolamine transdermal patches applied behind the ear 4 hours before travel provide up to 3 days of protection and are considered highly effective.
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.