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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 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
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
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
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
Nasal Allergies: ARIA International Guidelines
We tell you the over-the-lines guidelines your doctors read. Intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone are the first-line option for controlling symptoms based on ARIA guidelines, while antihistamines (intranasal azelastine or oral loratadine) are recommended for additional relief. Find the best evidence-based recommendations for lasting symptom control.
January 8, 2025
Psoriasis: Best Over-the-Counter Management Steps
OTC first-line treatments recommended by medical guidelines. Manage mild psoriasis with effective topical treatments like 1% hydrocortisone for reducing inflammation and keratinolytics, such as salicylic acid or coal tar, to address scaling. For recurrent or severe flares, prescription-strength corticosteroids or systemic agents may be necessary. Ask your doctor about biologic therapies for moderate-to-severe cases to achieve better control and improve quality of life.
January 8, 2025
Bug and Insect Bites: Treat and Prevent
Treat and prevent bug or insect bites with effective OTC at-home remedies and prevention strategies. Soothe itching and swelling with options like hydrocortisone 1% cream, diphenhydramine with zinc acetate, or calamine lotion. Clean bites with antiseptic solutions to prevent infection, and avoid future bites using DEET-based repellents or permethrin-treated clothing. For severe allergic reactions or secondary infections, explore prescription options like oral antihistamines, antibiotics, or epinephrine.
January 8, 2025
Birth Control Without a Prescription
In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved norgestrel (Opill) as the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive pill available in the United States. Norgestrel is indicated specifically for the prevention of pregnancy, contains only progesterone, and is indicated for daily oral use.
January 8, 2025
Ankle Sprain Recovery Tips
Expert over-the-counter recommendations for managing mild to moderate sprains. Learn the updated POLICE principle (Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce swelling and promote healing, and find top-rated ankle braces for functional support.