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Choosing the right Over the Counter (OTC) medicine for you starts with identifying the specific symptom you want to treat and checking the active ingredient...
Choosing the right Over the Counter (OTC) medicine for you starts with identifying the specific symptom you want to treat and checking the active ingredient (drug) that the medicine you are buying has. It is then important to check whether that drug treats your symptoms.
Common OTC medicine options are Paracetamol for Fever, Ibuprofen for Pain, Antihistamines for Hay Fever, Allergies and Eczema, Saline spray and nasal decongestants for blocked nose.
When taking OTC medications, always read the label and follow the recommended dose, age restrictions, warnings and maximum daily dose. If you are taking any other medications (OTC or prescription), check with your pharmacist before taking this OTC medication of choice. If you have any underlying health conditions, check with your pharmacist before taking this OTC medication of choice.
You can find many OTC medication options or Men’s Health medications at our Meds For Less website.
An Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is one that you would feel comfortable taking for symptoms you recognise. This can be a common condition that affects most people (such as Fever, for which you would take paracetamol) or one you have been diagnosed with (such as an arthritis flare-up, for which you may take Ibuprofen). Generally, OTC medications do not require a prescription to purchase.
You can buy these from convenience stores, local pharmacies or even from reliable online pharmacies.
The safest way to take OTC medications is to follow the directions on the label or as directed by your healthcare provider for a long-term condition.
Matching the medicine to your symptoms is important because it reduces the risk of harm and increases the chance that your medicine will be effective for what you are using it for.
Most OTC medicines have one directed use; for example, paracetamol is for fever and mild pain, and ibuprofen tends to be for joint pain. Gaviscon and Rennie’s tend to be for mild acid reflux that is only for 1-2 days. Antihistamines like Loratadine and Cetirizine can be used to treat and manage itching allergies and rhinitis (hayfever).
If you take the wrong medicine for a certain set of symptoms, you will increase the risk of not treating your symptoms and potentially overdosing on the wrong medicine. For example, the maximum dose of paracetamol is 4g (around 8 tablets) a day. Taking more than this can increase your risk of paracetamol overdose and liver injury. You will be more prone to overdosing if you are taking a medicine like paracetamol for a symptom it won’t help, like an itch.
Several OTC medicines can help relieve pain and fever. The most suitable option depends on the type and the severity of the symptoms, as well as factors like age and existing health conditions and any other medications you are taking.
| Active ingredient | Typical use | Factors to consider |
| Paracetamol | Headaches, toothaches, muscle aches and mild-moderate fever | Paracetamol is generally well tolerated when taking at the recommended dose |
| Ibuprofen | Headaches, dental pain period pains, muscle and joint pain and sometimes fever pain | Take it with or after food. Ibuprofen is not considered useful for people with stomach ulcers, chronic kidney disease or hypertension |
| Aspirin | Fever or pain in adults | It can irritate the stomach and significantly increase bleeding risk. It is not generally suitable for children under 16 unless specifically prescribed by a paediatric doctor. |
| Ibuprofen gel | Localised muscle or joint pain, sprains and strains | Applied directly to the affected area, and generally causes fewer whole body effects than oral Ibuprofen. |
OTC medicines can help manage symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked nose or runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. (Figure 1).
The most appropriate medication depends on whether the symptoms are being caused by congestion (most likely due to a viral infection) or due to allergies.
| Medication | Typical use | Considerations |
| Cetirizine | Runny nose, itchy eyes or sneezing caused by allergies | Usually taken once daily, can cause drowsiness in some people, although this is less common with older people |
| Loratadine | Hay-fever and other allergic symptoms | Usually taken once a day but is less likely to cause drowsiness |
| Chlorphenamine | Short-term relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing, especially occurring at night and disrupting sleep | Can cause significant drowsiness, and reduced alertness, that is why it is best taken at night . Do not use it when driving or operating heavy machinery. |
| Xylometazoline | Short-term relief of blocked nose due to congestion | Usually meant for short term relief and not prolonged usage as this can make the problem worse |
| Sodium chlorine 0.9% (saline) | Nasal congestion, dryness and irritation | Does not contain a decongestant or antihistamine , can be used to rinse or moisturise the nasal passages |
Figure 1: OTC allergy medicine can be taken for congestion or runny nose.
Most of the common cough and colds are caused by viral infections and hence they resolve in their own time without medications. However some OTC medicines can help troublesome symptoms while you recover (Figure 2).
For symptoms of headaches, fever, sore throats and body aches, the paracetamol and Ibuprofen medicines may provide relief. Check the contents of medications for cough and cold medications as many contain ibuprofen and paracetamol. These medications may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain stomach, kidney or heart problems or some types of asthma.
For symptoms like a dry, irritating cough, products containing the medicine dextromethorphan can provide short term relief. Those suffering from a chesty cough can use guaifenesin to loosen mucus. It is important to note that the evidence for cough medications is limited.
For nasal congestion, you can use saline sprays or rinses that can help clear and moisture the nasal passages. Decongestant sprays that contain the drug xylometazoline can provide quicker short-term relief but prolonged use can cause rebound congestion.
Figure 2: OTC medicines for cough and cold can help troublesome symptoms while the infection resolves by itself.
Reading the medication label safely can help you choose the right OTC medication and avoid taking too much of a medicine or combing medicines which contain the same active ingredient. Before taking the product, check the following:
OTC medicines are generally safe to use when directed but mistakes can increase the risk of side effects or accidental overdose. Common errors to avoid include:
OTC medicine can help manage many symptoms but they are not appropriate for every situation. Speaking to your pharmacist or doctor can help you choose the right treatment and determine whether your symptoms need further assessment.
You should consider speaking to your pharmacist in the following situations:
You should seek help if despite taking an OTC medicine, your symptoms persist, get worse or you develop new symptoms. If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a rash, throat itchiness, tongue swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediatley.