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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
OTC Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Do you have hearing loss? Symptoms include difficulty hearing in noisy places, following group conversations, or needing to increase TV volume. In August 2022, the FDA authorized OTC hearing aids for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, allowing purchase without a medical exam or audiologist fitting.
January 11, 2025
Calluses and Corns: At-Home Removal
Evidence-based medical guidelines. Remove corns and calluses with gentle daily care using a pumice stone or foot file after soaking in warm water to soften the skin. Apply salicylic acid (liquid or patch) daily to remove thickened skin, cleaning the area beforehand. For additional care, use urea cream (10–40%) to soften skin and protective pads to cushion and prevent friction.
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
Urinary Tract Infections: 2025 Updates
Up-to-date OTC guidance. Mange uncomplicated acute UTI symptoms with hydration, phenazopyridine for temporary symptom relief, and supportive measures like heating pads or NSAIDs for discomfort. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or risk factors are present, seek medical attention for antibiotics. Avoid self-treatment if risk factors such as fever, flank pain, or immunosuppression are present.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.