Choosing over-the-counter medications
- Denise Clayton, PD, FAPhA, Manager, Clinical Pharmacy
- June 24, 2025
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are medicines you can buy without a prescription. They can help with many common health problems like headaches, fevers and allergies. But before you pick an OTC medicine, here are some important things to think about:
- What conditions are you trying to treat? Most OTC meds are grouped by the condition they are used to treat.
- Are you taking other medications that might conflict with the OTC medication or duplicate a prescription medication?
- Read the label for any warnings that might apply to you.
- Do not exceed the dose or duration provided on the product label. If you still have symptoms after the recommended treatment time, tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking any OTC product. Some can be harmful to your baby.
- For all children’s OTC medications, read the age range and dosing information thoroughly. As a rule, you should not give children under 2 years of age any OTC medication unless your physician has given you dosing instructions.
Below are a few common conditions where you might search for an OTC medication to help relieve your symptoms.
| Condition | Medication(s) | Note |
| Fever, headache or general aches and pains | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Don’t take more than 4000mg per day. |
| Fever, headache or general aches and pains |
Naproxen (Aleve) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
|
Take with food or milk.
Do not take if you are already taking a prescription NSAID (Non-steroidal |
| Fever, headache or general aches and pains | Aspirin (Ecotrin, Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin) | Take with food or milk.
Do not give to children. |
| Reflux or heartburn | Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Esomeprazole (Nexium) Lansoprazole (Prevacid) |
If your condition persists, contact your physician to get a prescription for a higher dose. |
| Stool softeners | Docusate sodium (Colace)
Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) |
Do not take for a prolonged period of time.Consult your physician if constipation is a continued issue. |
| Laxatives (stimulant) | Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax liquid) Sodium phosphate (Fleet phosphor-soda or Fleet enema) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Senna (Senokot) |
May cause cramping.
Do not take for a prolonged Consult your physician if |
| Antidiarrheals | Loperamide (Imodium)
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) |
Do not take for a prolonged period of time. Common side effects: constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea or stomach cramps. |
| Allergy oral meds | Antihistamines:
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) |
Drowsiness: products are listed from most drowsiness to least. |
| Allergy nasal sprays | Antihistamines:
Astepro spray Steroids: Flonase (fluticasone), |
Be sure to read the package insert to maximize the benefit of the nasal spray. |
| Decongestants | Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine |
Pseudoephedrine does not require a prescription, but you must ask the pharmacist for it. |
| Oral contraceptive | Norgestrel (Opill)
Important note – to be effective, this |
This is the first oral contraceptive available without a prescription.*Some meds can block absorption or conflict, so ask your pharmacist if you are taking any of those. Also, avoid products containing grapefruit. |
* Not available as a generic
If available, generics will cost less and work just as well.
If you have questions about which OTC product will work best for your condition, ask a pharmacist.
Check the expiration date before you take the medication. If it has passed, do not use it. But don’t throw OTC meds or prescriptions in the trash. Locate a drug take-back site to dispose of them properly.