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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 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
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
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 9, 2025
Gum Bleeding (Gingivitis) Reversal
Gingivitis can be prevented and reversed. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, like stannous fluoride 0.454%, and consider an electric toothbrush with oscillating-rotating technology for superior plaque removal. Floss daily to clean between teeth, or supplement with a water flosser for improved efficacy. Use antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily to reduce bacterial load. For advanced cases, professional cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar.
January 9, 2025
Athlete's Foot: Best Over-the-Counter Treatments Doctors Recommend
Over-the-counter recommendations for treating athlete’s foot with effective topical antifungal options. First-line treatments include clotrimazole 1% cream, applied twice daily for 2 weeks, and butenafine 1% cream, used once or twice daily for 1 week. Learn when prescription oral antifungals like terbinafine may be necessary for severe or recurrent cases.
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.
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.
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.
January 9, 2025
Earwax Blockage: At-Home vs Doctor's Office
American Academy of Otolaryngology Practice Guidelines: Manage cerumen impaction with cerumenolytics like carbamide peroxide drops (5–10 drops twice daily for up to 4 days) to soften wax, followed by ear canal irrigation using body-temperature saline or water. Avoid ear candling, cotton-tipped swabs, and jet irrigators, as these can worsen impaction or cause injury. For persistent or severe cases, seek professional removal using curettes, suction, or microsuction.
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.