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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
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
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
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.