Whether you have just immigrated to the United States or have been living in the United States for a long time, how do you respond when you or your family members fall ill? Given the healthcare system and insurance structure in the United States, it seems excessive to rush to a clinic or hospital for minor ailments like a cold, fever, cough, or allergies, and you may also have to pay high costs.
At this time, many people choose to take medications brought from their home country, only to find that they have expired when they open their medicine cabinet. If you go to a pharmacy to buy some OTC medications, you may be unsure about the numerous English drug names and medical terms. Below, I will introduce ten essential over-the-counter medications that every American household should have. Let's take a look!
1. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is one of the essential medications designated by the World Health Organization. It is primarily used to alleviate pain, inflammation, or fever symptoms caused by a cold. To avoid potential stomach discomfort or heartburn after taking it, it is generally recommended to take it with food. It is safe for children to use under normal circumstances.
2. Acetaminophen is a non-inflammatory pain reliever and fever reducer available over the counter. When taken at standard doses, Acetaminophen is quite safe, making it suitable for sick infants or children. 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).
3. Diphenhydramine is mainly used for general allergic reactions causing hives and skin itching. It can also be used to prevent motion sickness, such as seasickness, car sickness, and air sickness. Due to its side effects, which often include drowsiness, this medication is generally categorized in the sleep aid section of pharmacies. However, for children and adolescents, it may cause heightened excitement instead.
4. Loperamide is the most effective over-the-counter medication for treating diarrhea. It is suitable for children in both tablet and liquid forms. However, this medication does not alleviate symptoms of indigestion, and it is recommended to take it alongside Pepto Bismol.
5. Pseudoephedrine is the only medication available on the market for treating nasal congestion, cough, and expectoration caused by allergies or upper respiratory infections. Its oral solution is also suitable for sick children over six years old. The most common side effects include increased adrenaline levels, leading to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, palpitations, and high blood pressure.
6. Meclizine is a common anti-nausea product that can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. It is very effective for treating motion sickness (such as seasickness, car sickness, and air sickness). The most common adverse reaction is drowsiness.
7. Ranitidine is a very effective over-the-counter medication for relieving stomach pain and heartburn caused by excessive stomach acid. Other similar medications available for reducing stomach acid or reflux include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid. Among these, Prevacid is suitable for use during pregnancy to alleviate heartburn in pregnant women.
8. Hydrocortisone cream contains one percent of the active ingredient, which is a steroid ointment. It is very effective for treating minor skin discomfort caused by infections or allergies. It is suitable for use by both sick adults and children. A similar product recommended is diphenhydramine cream.
9. Neosporin ointment is a commonly used antibacterial ointment primarily used to treat minor skin cuts and abrasions to prevent reinfection.
10. Clotrimazole is mainly used to treat fungal infections. It is generally applied topically to treat skin fungal infections, such as ringworm and diaper rash. For treating cervical infections in women, its suppository or cream forms can be chosen.
