Over the Counter Medicines

Over the Counter Medicines
(for self medication reference)

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains and bodily discomforts.

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never take OTC medicines longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. If your symptoms don't go away, it’s a clear signal that it's time to see your healthcare provider.

Here are some examples of OTC drugs for common ailments:

Acid

Drug:
Al(OH)3 200 mg, simethicone 25 mg, Mg(OH)2 200 mg. (Maalox)

Administration:
2-4 tablets or Max: 16 tab per 24 hour period. (Take 20-60 minutes after meals & at bedtime. Tab: Chew well.).

Bones and Joint pains

Drug:
naproxen Na (Flanax forte 550mg)

Administration:
Initially 2 tablets and 1 tablet every 8 hours or twice a day. Should be taken with food.

Cough

Drug:
Carbocisteine (Solmux)

Administration:
Adult & children greater than 12 yrs old 1 capsule every 8 hours. Should be taken with food.

Cough and Colds

Drug:
Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg, phenylephrine HCl 10 mg, paracetamol 325mg (Tuseran Forte)

Administration:
1 tablet every 6 hours. May be taken with or without food.

Constipation

Drug:
Domperidone (Motilium)

Administration:
Chronic dyspepsia Adult 1 tablet. Repeat dose at bedtime if required. When results are unsatisfactory, above dosage may be doubled in adult & children greater than 1 year old.

Diarrhea

Drug:
Loperamide HCl (Imodium)

Administration:
Acute diarrhea Adult Initially 2 capsules Subsequent dose: 1 capsule after every loose stool. Chronic diarrhea Adult Initially 2 capsules. Adjust dose until 1-2 normal solid stools/day are obtained. Maintenance: 1-6 capsules per day. Max: 8 capsules per day.

Dysmenorrhea and low back pains

Drug:
ibuprofen 200mg (Midol)

Administration:
Adult & children more than 12 yrs of age 200 or 400 mg every 4-6 hours while symptoms persist. If pain persists, 400 or 1200 mg may be taken, but not >1200 mg within 24 hrs. Not to be taken >10 days. Should be taken with food.

Fever

Drug:
Paracetamol (Biogesic)

Administration:
Adult & children more than 12 yrs old 1-2 tab every 4-6 hrs as needed. Max: 8 tab in 24 hours.

Headache:

Drug:
acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin Bayer 100mg)

Administration:
Adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours or 3 tablets every 6 hours, not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours. For children under 12 years: consult a doctor.

Muscle ache:

Drug:
Ibuprofen 200mg and Paracetamol 325mg (Alaxan fr)

Administration:
1 capsule every 6 hours Should be taken with food.

Nasal Congestion with Fever associated with Common Colds

Drug:
Phenylephrine HCl 25mg, chlorphenamine maleate 2mg, paracetamol 500mg (Bioflu)

Administration:
1 tablet every 6 hours. May be taken with or without food.

Runny nose, headache and fever

Drug:
phenylephrine HCl 25mg, paracetamol 500mg (Decolgen no drowes)

Administration:
1 caplet every 6 hours. May be taken with or without food.

Stomach Spasm and dysmenorrhea

Drug:
Hyoscine-N-butylbromide 10mg, paracetamol 500mg (Buscopan)

Administration:
Adult 1-2 tablets every three hours. Max: 6 tablets daily. The film-coated tablets are not suitable for children under 10 years old. May be taken with or without food.

Toothache

Drug:
mefenamic acid (Ponstan 250mg)

Administration:
1 capsule every 4 hours Should be taken with food.