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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
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
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 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
Constipation Treatment
OTC guide to constipation. Start with a high-fiber diet (20–35 g/day) or fiber supplements like psyllium, and maintain hydration and regular exercise. Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) are first-line pharmacologic options for softening stools and improving motility. For persistent symptoms, stimulant laxatives like senna or bisacodyl may be used, with enemas reserved for severe cases.
January 9, 2025
Hives (Urticaria) Treatment
Medical guideline-based management of hives begins with scheduled antihistamines like loratadine (10 mg daily), cetirizine (5–10 mg daily), or fexofenadine (180 mg daily) to block histamine activity and reduce inflammation. Avoid triggers, including stress and NSAIDs, while monitoring symptoms. For severe or persistent cases, prescription options like glucocorticoids or biologic immunomodulatory drugs may be considered.
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
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
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.