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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.

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Motion Sickness Prevention

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.

Urinary Tract Infections: 2025 Updates

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.

Dandruff: Proven Methods for Relief

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.

Bloating and Gas

January 9, 2025

Bloating and Gas

Guideline-recommended OTC strategies to manage bloating and gas, including first-line treatments like simethicone (80–160 mg after meals) and dietary modifications such as avoiding triggers and following a low-FODMAP diet. Track symptom patterns with a food journal and consider probiotics to improve gut health. For IBS-related bloating, prescription options like rifaximin may provide additional relief.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

January 9, 2025

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

Manage BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) with effective first-line treatments like the Epley Maneuver, a non-invasive technique to reposition displaced otoconia, offering up to 90% success. Consider supervised maneuvers or Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for recurrent or persistent symptoms. Medications like meclizine or diazepam are reserved for severe cases to alleviate nausea or anxiety.

Lower Back Pain: 3 Lines of Treatment

January 9, 2025

Lower Back Pain: 3 Lines of Treatment

Effective doctor-recommended OTC strategies for managing chronic stable back pain. Second-line options include topical analgesics like capsaicin cream or diclofenac gel and temporary relief from lidocaine patches. Learn about adjunctive therapies like TENS, ultrasound, or laser therapy to enhance functionality and reduce pain intensity.

Skin Warts: At-Home Removal

January 9, 2025

Skin Warts: At-Home Removal

The same guidelines your doctors use. Treat cutaneous warts effectively with over-the-counter options like salicylic acid (17–40%), applied daily after soaking the wart, or cryotherapy products for freezing small warts at home. For larger or persistent warts, professional treatments like photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal may be recommended.

Osteoarthritis: Arthritis Foundation Guidelines

January 9, 2025

Osteoarthritis: Arthritis Foundation Guidelines

Expert-recommended strategies for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. First-line recommendations from the 2019 ACR guidelines emphasize exercise, weight loss, topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel, and oral NSAIDs for severe pain. Second-line options include acetaminophen, capsaicin cream, and advanced interventions like intra-articular corticosteroids or duloxetine for chronic pain.

Acute Bronchitis: Best OTC Treatments

January 9, 2025

Acute Bronchitis: Best OTC Treatments

Over-the-counter guide to acute viral bronchitis with supportive care, including hydration, rest, and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort. For cough relief, consider dextromethorphan (30 mg) or guaifenesin (600–1200 mg every 12 hours). In children, honey can reduce cough severity and improve sleep but should not be given to infants under one year. Antibiotics are rarely needed unless bacterial superinfection is confirmed.

Bedbugs: How to Treat and Eradicate

January 9, 2025

Bedbugs: How to Treat and Eradicate

Expert-recommended strategies for identifying and eradicating bedbug infestations and managing symptoms of bites. Detect infestations with manual inspections or attractant-based traps, and treat bites with topical hydrocortisone or antihistamines for itch relief. Explore proven methods like washing bedding in hot water, vacuuming, steam cleaning, and using diatomaceous earth for infestation control, and consider professional pest control for persistent cases.