Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs that you can buy without a prescription. They are used to treat a variety of minor health problems, such as pain, fever, allergies, and heartburn.

Over  the counter medicine

OTC medicines are safe and effective when used as directed. However, it is important to read the label carefully and follow the instructions. Taking too much of an OTC medicine or taking it for too long can be dangerous.

Some common types of OTC medicines include:

Pain relievers: These medicines are used to relieve pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis pain. Examples of pain relievers include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).

Pain relievers OTC medicine

Fever reducers: These medicines are used to reduce fever. Examples of fever reducers include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

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Fever reducers OTC medicine

Allergy medicines: These medicines are used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Examples of allergy medicines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).

Heartburn medicines: These medicines are used to relieve heartburn. Examples of heartburn medicines include Tums and Pepto-Bismol.

Heartburn medicines OTC medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any OTC medicines. Some OTC medicines can be harmful to unborn babies or breastfeeding babies.

If you have any questions about OTC medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.