Drug Information
Detailed information about common medications including uses, how they work, side effects, dosage information, and safety considerations.
Acetaminophen
Analgesic and antipyretic used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Alpha-Galactosidase
Digestive enzyme supplement that helps break down complex carbohydrates to prevent gas and bloating.
Avobenzone
Chemical sunscreen active that provides excellent UVA protection, commonly found in broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops used to relieve dry, irritated eyes by supplementing natural tears.
Bacitracin
Topical antibiotic used to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Benzocaine
Topical anesthetic for mouth and throat pain, providing fast-acting numbing relief from sore throats and canker sores.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Topical acne treatment that kills bacteria and helps unclog pores, available in various OTC strengths.
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
Bisacodyl
Stimulant laxative (Dulcolax) that triggers bowel movements within 6-12 hours orally or 15-60 minutes as suppository.
Cetirizine
Second-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal medication used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
Calcium Carbonate
Antacid used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach by neutralizing stomach acid.
Calcium Citrate
Calcium supplement that absorbs well without stomach acid, ideal for people on PPIs or with low stomach acid.
Capsaicin
Topical pain reliever from chili peppers that provides warming relief for chronic pain after regular use.
Dextromethorphan
Cough suppressant used to temporarily relieve cough caused by colds and other irritants.
Dicyclomine
Anticholinergic antispasmodic used to treat intestinal cramping and spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dimenhydrinate
Antihistamine used to prevent and treat motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting.
Diphenhydramine
Antihistamine used for allergy symptoms and as an over-the-counter sleep aid.
Docusate Sodium
Stool softener that helps prevent constipation by allowing water to penetrate and soften stool.
Esomeprazole
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid for heartburn and GERD, similar to omeprazole.
Epinephrine
Emergency medication for anaphylaxis, available as auto-injectors (EpiPen, Auvi-Q) by prescription.
Emollients
Moisturizing treatments used to manage eczema, dry skin, and other conditions by restoring the skin barrier.
Famotidine
H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.
Ferrous Gluconate
Gentler iron supplement (Fergon) with fewer GI side effects, containing 12% elemental iron.
Ferrous Sulfate
Most common iron supplement for treating iron deficiency anemia, containing 20% elemental iron.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acid supplement from fatty fish, used for heart health, triglycerides, and inflammation.
Fluticasone
Nasal corticosteroid spray (Flonase) for long-term allergy relief, reducing inflammation over days to weeks.
Folic Acid
Essential B vitamin (B9) critical for pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and treat folate deficiency.
Guaifenesin
Expectorant used to loosen mucus and phlegm in the chest.
Glycerin Suppositories
Fast-acting rectal laxative providing constipation relief within 15-60 minutes through osmotic action.
Hydrocortisone
Topical corticosteroid used to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms including itching, burning, and swelling.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Common antiseptic used for cleaning minor wounds, though current guidance favors limited use.
Ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, fever, and inflammation.
Ketotifen
Antihistamine eye drops used to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies with 12-hour relief.
Krill Oil
Phospholipid-bound omega-3 supplement from Antarctic krill with astaxanthin for heart and joint health.
Lactobacillus
Probiotic bacteria used to support gut health and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Loperamide
Anti-diarrheal medication used to treat acute diarrhea and reduce bowel movements.
Loratadine
Second-generation antihistamine for allergy relief with minimal drowsiness.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Antacid and laxative used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and occasional constipation.
Magnesium Glycinate
Well-absorbed chelated magnesium supplement known for calming effects and minimal GI side effects.
Magnesium Oxide
High-dose magnesium supplement also used as a laxative, with lower absorption but more elemental magnesium per pill.
Meclizine
Antihistamine used to prevent and treat motion sickness and vertigo with less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate.
Miconazole
Antifungal medication used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
Melatonin
Natural hormone supplement used for sleep problems, jet lag, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Menthol
Cooling topical analgesic that provides quick, temporary relief for muscle aches, joint pain, and minor injuries.
Neomycin
Topical aminoglycoside antibiotic used to prevent infection in minor wounds, often in combination products.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine replacement therapy gum for smoking cessation with on-demand craving relief.
Nicotine Patch
Transdermal nicotine replacement therapy providing steady nicotine delivery for smoking cessation.
Omeprazole
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid for heartburn and GERD.
Oxymetazoline
Powerful nasal decongestant spray (Afrin) for fast congestion relief, limited to 3 days to avoid rebound.
Phenol
Oral anesthetic spray (Chloraseptic) that numbs sore throat pain without the rare blood disorder risk of benzocaine.
Phenylephrine
Nasal decongestant used to relieve congestion from colds, allergies, and sinus infections.
Pseudoephedrine
Nasal decongestant for congestion relief, requires ID to purchase.
Psyllium
Natural fiber supplement used to relieve constipation and promote digestive regularity.
Polyethylene Glycol
Osmotic laxative used to treat occasional constipation by drawing water into the colon.
Povidone-Iodine
Broad-spectrum antiseptic (Betadine) used for wound cleaning and surgical skin preparation.
Pyrithione Zinc
Anti-dandruff shampoo ingredient that kills yeast and bacteria, gentle enough for daily use.
Saccharomyces boulardii
Probiotic yeast that's antibiotic-resistant, ideal for preventing diarrhea during antibiotic treatment.
Salicylic Acid
Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used to treat acne by exfoliating pores and preventing blackheads and whiteheads.
Saline Nasal Spray
Drug-free salt water spray for moisturizing nasal passages and relieving congestion safely at any age.
Saline (Wound Cleaning)
Isotonic salt solution (0.9% NaCl) for cleaning wounds without damaging tissue—preferred over hydrogen peroxide.
Selenium Sulfide
Powerful anti-dandruff shampoo for stubborn cases, used twice weekly to control yeast and scaling.
Senna
Natural stimulant laxative (Senokot) from plant leaves, providing overnight constipation relief in 6-12 hours.
Simethicone
Anti-foaming agent used to relieve gas, bloating, and discomfort from excess gas in the digestive tract.
Triamcinolone
Nasal corticosteroid spray (Nasacort) for allergy relief, scent-free and alcohol-free with once-daily dosing.
Vitamin B12
Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, critical for vegans and older adults.
Vitamin D2
Plant-derived vitamin D supplement used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency, suitable for vegans.
Vitamin D3
The most effective form of vitamin D for treating deficiency and maintaining bone health and immune function.
Witch Hazel
Natural astringent used to soothe hemorrhoid symptoms with cooling relief and gentle cleansing.
Zinc Oxide
Mineral sunscreen that provides immediate, broad-spectrum UV protection by reflecting rays, safe for sensitive skin.
Zinc Acetate
High-concentration zinc supplement used in cold lozenges and as prescription treatment for Wilson's disease.
Zinc Gluconate
Common zinc supplement form used in cold lozenges and general supplementation with good tolerability.
Cranberry Supplements
Natural supplement containing proanthocyanidins (PACs) used to help prevent urinary tract infections.
Low-Dose Aspirin
81mg aspirin used for cardiovascular protection through antiplatelet effects, preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Naproxen
Long-acting NSAID (Aleve) for pain and inflammation with 8-12 hour duration, requiring fewer daily doses than ibuprofen.
Oral Rehydration Solution
Precisely formulated electrolyte solution (Pedialyte) for treating dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting, and illness.
Phenazopyridine
Urinary tract analgesic (AZO) providing rapid relief from UTI symptoms like burning and urgency, maximum 2-day use.
Regular Aspirin
325-650mg aspirin for pain relief, fever reduction, and inflammation with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Sports Drinks
Electrolyte beverages (Gatorade, Powerade) designed for hydration during prolonged exercise, not for illness.
Saw Palmetto
Herbal supplement from palm berries marketed for prostate health and BPH symptoms, though clinical evidence is disappointing.
Beta-Sitosterol
Plant sterol supplement for BPH symptoms with stronger evidence than saw palmetto for improving urinary flow.
Black Cohosh
Herbal supplement for menopause symptoms, non-estrogenic but with FDA liver toxicity warnings. Limit to 6 months.
Soy Isoflavones
Phytoestrogen supplement from soy for menopause symptoms, safer long-term profile than black cohosh.
Prenatal Vitamins With Iron
Standard pregnancy supplements with 27-30mg iron to prevent anemia and support fetal development.
Prenatal Vitamins Without Iron
Iron-free pregnancy supplements for women with hemochromatosis or severe iron intolerance. Requires monitoring.
Aloe Vera
Natural gel for minor burns and sunburn relief, providing cooling, moisturizing, and modest healing support.
Antihistamines
Medications that block histamine to relieve mild allergy symptoms like itching, hives, and sneezing.
Silver Sulfadiazine
Prescription topical antimicrobial cream (Silvadene) for preventing infection in second and third-degree burns.
Acetaminophen for Fever
When and how to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to safely reduce fever in adults and children.
Ibuprofen for Fever
When and how to use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce fever safely in adults and children 6+ months.
IV Fluids
Understanding when intravenous fluids are needed for severe dehydration and medical emergencies.