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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 8, 2025
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Get Better With At-Home Conservative Treatment
Guideline-recommended OTC carpal tunnel management with first-line treatments like activity modification and neutral-position wrist splints, particularly at night, to reduce nerve compression. Avoid ineffective therapies such as oral medications or magnet therapy. For persistent symptoms, professional interventions like corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be necessary.
January 8, 2025
Chronic Cough: The Approach Doctors Follow
OTC evidence-based strategies for chronic cough, starting with a trial of first-generation antihistamine-decongestant therapy for suspected Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS). If symptoms persist, consider intranasal steroids or antihistamines to address nasal inflammation. For unresolved cases, consult your doctor for asthma or GERD testing and tailored treatment. Seek medical care immediately for systemic symptoms, wet or bloody cough, or immunosuppression.
January 7, 2025
How We Make OTC Guides
We read what your doctors read, and tell you for free. The first-line medical recommendations for many common medical conditions are available entirely or mostly over-the-counter, but not all products are FDA-approved or effective. We have reviewed the most up-to-date authoritative medical guidelines to help you manage your symptoms without a prescription.