There are plenty of over-the-counter items available to consumers to help with minor, short-term issues. Most people are familiar with cough/cold, pain, fever, allergy, upset stomach, and many more categories displayed in the aisles near the pharmacy counter. Unless, you have a preference you know works for a particular condition, it is more of a series of trial and error to see what will be best for you. Each individual is different and the effectiveness of a specific drug will vary for every person. Some may work for most people and some may have the desired effect for a few. Besides what type of medication will work for a troublesome condition, knowing which specific class or brand/generic to use makes things more complicated.

This is where your Kearney Park Pharmacist comes in handy. They can help narrow down what you are searching for and suggest the most helpful option for the issue. Whether you are looking for a specific brand, strength, and quantity or trying to save money with a cheaper alternative, pharmacists will help make a knowledgeable decision.

Recently, Pharmacy Times surveyed thousands of pharmacists about their recommendations on brand name over-the-counter medications and published the results. Hopefully, this information will help save some time and steps on your journey to manage and treat the minor ailments that may arise if you find yourself in a situation where asking for help is not an option.

Here is a short list of the results:

• Antihistamines – Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl
• Cough/Cold combo – Advil Cold & Sinus, Tylenol Cold, Vicks Dayquil/Nyquil
• Cough Suppressant – Delsym, Robitussin DM
• Decongestant – Sudafed/products containing pseudoephedrine
• Antacids – Tums, Maalox
• Heartburn – Prilosec OTC, Pepcid
• Lactose Intolerance – Lactaid
• Constipation – Colace, Senna, Dulcolax
• Diarrhea – Imodium, Pepto Bismol
• Athlete’s Food – Lamisil, Lotrimin
• Lice – Nix, Rid
• Dandruff – Selsun Blue, T-Gel, Nizoral
• Pain (topical) – Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Capzasin
• Menstrual Pain – Midol, Motrin
• Sleep Aid – Unisom, Tylenol PM
• Motion Sickness – Dramamine, Bonine
• Headache – Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin