1. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is one of the essential medications designated by the World Health Organization. It is primarily used to reduce pain, inflammation, or fever caused by colds. To avoid potential stomach upset or heartburn after taking it, it is generally recommended to take it with food. Under normal circumstances, children can take it.
Recommended brands: Motrin, Advil
2. Acetaminophen is a non-inflammatory medication in the OTC category used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Taking Acetaminophen at standard dosages is quite safe; therefore, it is suitable for infants or children who are ill. It is important to note that excessive dosage, especially when combined with alcohol, can lead to liver damage. Therefore, the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 4000mg (equivalent to 8 tablets of 500mg each).
Recommended brand: Tylenol
3. Diphenhydramine is mainly used for hives and skin itching caused by general allergies, and can also be used to prevent motion sickness such as seasickness, carsickness, and airsickness. As the most common adverse effect after taking it is drowsiness, this medication is usually categorized in the sleep aid section of pharmacies. However, in children and adolescents, it may conversely cause high levels of excitement.
Recommended brand: Benadryl
4. Loperamide is the most effective OTC medication for treating diarrhea. Both tablet and liquid forms are suitable for children. However, this medication cannot relieve indigestion, so it is recommended to take it with Pepto Bismol.
Recommended brands: Imodium, Pepto Bismol
5. Pseudoephedrine is the only product on the market used to treat nasal congestion, coughs, and expectoration caused by allergies or upper respiratory tract infections. The oral solution is also suitable for sick children over the age of six. Its most common side effects include stimulating an increase in adrenaline, which can lead to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, palpitations, and high blood pressure.
Recommended brand: Sudafed
6. Meclizine is a common anti-emetic product available as a prescription or OTC medication. It is highly effective in treating motion sickness (seasickness, carsickness, and airsickness). The most common adverse reaction is drowsiness.
Recommended brands: Bonine, Dramamine
7. Ranitidine is a highly effective OTC medication for relieving stomach pain and heartburn caused by excess stomach acid. Other similar products on the market used to reduce stomach acid or acid reflux include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid. Among them, Prevacid is suitable for use during pregnancy to relieve heartburn.
Recommended brand: Zantac
8. Hydrocortisone cream contains one percent steroid components. It is very effective in treating minor skin discomfort caused by infection or allergies. It is suitable for both adults and children. Diphenhydramine cream is also recommended as a similar product.
Recommended brand: Cortizone
9. Neosporin ointment is a commonly used antibiotic ointment primarily used to treat minor skin cuts and abrasions to prevent further infection.
Recommended brand: Neosporin
10. Clotrimazole is mainly used to treat fungal infections. It is generally applied topically to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm or diaper rash. For treating female vaginal infections, one can choose its suppository or cream forms.
Recommended brand: Lotrimin
