Can You Take a Baby Asprin With Otc Sinus Medication

OTC Drug Facts
- What Facts Should I Know About OTC Medications?
Pain & Fever
- What Are OTC Medications for Pain and Fever?
Common Cold
- What Are OTC Medications for the Common Cold?
Cough
- What Are OTC Medications for Cough?
Sinus Congestion
- What Are OTC Medications for Caput and Sinus Congestion?
Sore Throat
- What Are OTC Medications for Sore Throat, Headache, Earache, and Body Aches?
Sneezing
- What Are OTC Medications for Sneezing, Runny Olfactory organ, and Watery Optics?
Upset Stomach
- What Are OTC Medications for Upset Breadbasket?
Constipation
- What Are OTC Medications for Constipation?
Diarrhea
- What Are OTC Medications for Diarrhea?
Sleep
- What Are OTC Medications for Sleep?
Allergies
- What Are OTC Medications for Allergies and Itch?
Guide
- 12 Medicine Chiffonier Essentials (Home Pharmacy) Topic Guide

What Facts Should I Know Well-nigh OTC Medications?

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Over-the-counter medications are available for purchase without a prescription.

What Are Over-the-Counter Medications?

In that location are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications available without a prescription, which are used to treat the symptoms of many illnesses that don't usually require the help of a md or health intendance practitioner.

What Atmospheric condition Can Be Treated Using Over-the-Counter Medicine?

This article reviews a few of these medications that tin help treat
- minor aches and pains,
- fever,
- diarrhea,
- cold symptoms,
- sore throat, and
- allergies.
OTC medications have brand names as well as generic and shop brand names (similar to prescription medications). Generic, shop, and brand names comprise the aforementioned agile ingredients and are identical in their action on the body if the concentration of the agile ingredients are the aforementioned.
Because some OTC pills and liquids contain multiple medications, it is important to read the fine print on the label to know exactly what ingredients are in the product.

Can Over-the-Counter Drugs Exist Unsafe?

Even though they do not crave a prescription, OTC medications may cause pregnant side effects. Some tin can interact with prescription medications and cause impairment (for example, patients who take warfarin [Coumadin], a blood thinner, are at higher take chances of haemorrhage from ulcers if they take OTC ibuprofen) while others products can crusade organ damage if taken in amounts greater than recommended (for example, acetaminophen may cause liver failure; aspirin may crusade lung and kidney impairment).
Before taking any OTC medication or dietary supplement, read the label, especially the dosage, frequency, and precautions sections.
If you take whatever questions or concerns in regard the apply of whatever OTC medication or dietary supplement, contact a medical health care practitioner or pharmacist for clarification.

What Are OTC Medications for Hurting and Fever?

In that location are three major medication categories available OTC to treat pain and fever;

acetaminophen,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and
aspirin.

Although the three major categories of drugs listed below are also used to care for the hurting of small-scale trauma, rest, ice, compression, and meridian (RICE) are easy starting time steps in the treatment for minor injuries, particularly the hurting associated with sprains and strains.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is the virtually usually recommended OTC medication for fever. Information technology works well for pocket-size aches and pains, particularly for people who cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. It is important to read the labels in regard to the recommended dosing of each medication to forestall accidental overdose. This is especially true with infants and children where the proper dosage depends upon the weight of the infant or child.

For an adult, the maximum dose of acetaminophen per day is iv grams to forestall the complexity of liver damage. Many cold medications contain acetaminophen as 1 of several other ingredients and it is of import to read the labels carefully to forbid overdose. Because of the possibility of liver toxicity, acetaminophen should exist avoided in patients with liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.

In that location are several brand and generic names for acetaminophen. Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and Tempra.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat inflammation, fever, and pain are available over-the-counter. OTC ibuprofen (for example, Motrin, Advil) is oft recommended past health care practitioners to decrease pain and inflammation from small-scale orthopedic injuries. It can likewise exist used effectively as part of the treatment for kidney stones and gallstones, where inflammation is function of the process causing pain. Ibuprofen is besides frequently recommended for the handling of fever in all age groups.

Naproxen (for instance, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and Aleve) is another NSAID bachelor over-the-counter. The do good of OTC naproxen is that it is longer lasting than ibuprofen and only needs to be taken twice a day instead of every 4 hours.

NSAIDs should not exist taken by individuals with kidney affliction, or those who have a history of haemorrhage from the stomach and bowels because NSAIDS are removed from the body by the kidneys and may increment bleeding in the breadbasket or bowels. These medications are relatively contraindicated in individuals taking claret thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and prasugrel (Effient) because the NSAIDS may increment the chance of inappropriate bleeding.

Salicylic Acid or Aspirin

Salicylic acrid or aspirin is a well known medication that has been recommended for generations as a treatment pain, inflammation, and fever. It is besides a first line handling in the prevention of centre attack and stroke considering of its anti-blood clotting backdrop by making platelets in the bloodstream less sticky.

Because of the many side effects associated with aspirin, other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen may be recommended instead of aspirin.

Aspirin may cause Reye'due south syndrome in infants and children, which can lead to fatal brain swelling. Therefore, aspirin should not be taken by children younger than 14 years of age.

Some individuals may demand to have large amounts of aspirin to manage pain from arthritis, but high doses of aspirin can crusade major complications such equally tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pulmonary edema (fluid build up in the lungs) and kidney failure.

Aspirin can cause irritation of the stomach and may lead to ulcers and bleeding. Individuals with a history of ulcers or other stomach problems should non have aspirin, and those who take blood thinners should use caution when taking aspirin at the same time, every bit the probability for inappropriate bleeding is increased.

There are several brand and generic names for aspirin. Common brand names include Bayer aspirin, St. Joseph's aspirin, and Anacin.

What Are OTC Medications for the Cold?

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A cold is an upper respiratory tract infection (URI'due south) caused by a virus. Since most people with a viral illness (viral upper respiratory infection) generally recover in approximately seven to fourteen days, handling is focused on symptom control. Symptoms of a common cold are:

runny nose,
stuffiness,
possibly a sore pharynx, and
hoarseness.

The symptoms the influenza (influenza) are different. Influenza (flu) has more than systemic symptoms such every bit fever, chills, coughs, and muscle/trunk aches.

OTC medications including herbal remedies may be of benefit in controlling symptoms but cannot cure a cold; instead they can potentially minimize the symptoms that cause people to suffer. Herbs take been used for centuries to help relieve cold symptoms but scientific studies have non yet proven their effectiveness. While herbal remedies may be of do good to some people, information technology is important to recall that they are non harmless and may collaborate with prescription medications. Your chemist or health care practitioner can give advice as to the rubber of a specific treatment programme. Drugstore and grocery shelves are lined with numerous types of drugs used to care for the symptoms of a cold; listed below are some of the treatments for cold symptoms and precautions nearly their use.

What Are OTC Medications for Coughing?

OTC common cold medication and other common cold preparations are not recommended for children under the historic period of ii, and are not effective for children younger than vi years of age, co-ordinate the American Academy of Pediatrics. Symptomatic treatment with humidified air and cough drops may exist most effective, although coughing drops can be a choking hazard in young children.

OTC cough preparations are not always recommended for adults, and may not work well according to some studies. All the same, many people are convinced that cough preparations are helpful, and then listed below are some of the nigh widely used preparations. Menthol is the active ingredient in many cough drops. Their consequence is temporary and wears off when the cough drop has dissolved.

Dextromethorphan (Delysm, Pedicare, Robitussin, Scot-Tussin, St. Joseph, Theraflu, Triaminic, Vicks 44, and many others) is an over-the-counter product used to command cough. It is usually plant as i of many ingredients in cough syrups and cold medications (those that have the DM in their names such equally Robitussin DM or store brands). Dextromethorphan should not be taken by individuals who are taking CNS depressive drugs, opiates, and other psychoactive drugs, or children under iv years of age.
Guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex among many others) is an expectorant (information technology loosens fungus in the bronchi or large breathing tubes). It may initially cause more coughing to remove the mucus but will then subtract the coughing intensity and frequency as the fungus is cleared out. Adequate hydration volition augment the consequence of guaifenesin.

What Are OTC Medications for Caput and Sinus Congestion?

Oral decongestants come in either pill or liquid form and act by shrinking engorged blood vessels in the nasal and sinus passages. Information technology is important to read the ingredient list since many preparations contain multiple medications. These medications oftentimes contain an active ingredient such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) which is an adrenaline similar drug. It should not be taken by individuals who take high claret pressure or who accept palpitations or rapid heartbeat. These over the counter medications have warning labels that discuss their side effects. They may require special provision by the pharmacist at sure stores.
Nasal spray decongestants act similarly to oral decongestants only take the advantage of interim only in the area applied, normally without the stimulant side effects. The near common active ingredient in nasal sprays is oxymetazoline (for instance, oxymetazoline [Afrin], Dristan Nasal Spray, phenylephrine [Neo-Synephrine]). Nasal sprays tin cause a "rebound" effect where nasal symptoms tin return if they are used for more iii days and then discontinued. Information technology is important to read and follow the package label instructions. People with heart disease, hypertension (loftier blood pressure), diabetes, or urinary retention due to an enlarged prostate should not utilize these medications.
Humidified air and salt water nasal sprays are effective alternatives to OTC medicated sprays and oral decongestants.

What Are OTC Medications for Sore Throat, Headache, Earache, and Trunk Aches?

Many sore throats are caused by viruses only others may exist due to a strep or other bacterial infection. It is reasonable to treat the symptoms of a sore throat for a few days just if symptoms don't resolve, a strep screen or throat swab may exist necessary to determine if antibiotics are needed.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are helpful in treating the hurting associated with cold and influenza.
Benzocaine (Cepacol) is the active ingredient in cough drops and sprays that helps to control the symptoms of a sore throat. It is besides available as an eardrop antipyrine (A/B Otic, Aurodex, Rx-Otic), benzocaine (Oticaine); as a dehydrated glycerin (Auralgan) for temporary relief of ear hurting; and as a pain reliever for oral ulcers toothache hurting (Anbesol).

What Are OTC Medications for Sneezing, Runny Nose, and Watery Eyes?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Its major side upshot is drowsiness or sleepiness, so it also is the active ingredient in many OTC sleeping pills. Other nonsedating antihistamines are available for symptom control, including loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).

What Are OTC Medications for Upset Stomach?

Classic heartburn is described equally a called-for awareness in the upper belly that may radiate to the upper chest and may be associated with a bad taste in the back of the pharynx. It is important to annotation that many of these symptoms also are associated with heart attack or angina. Unless the diagnosis of heartburn is well established, individuals with breast pain should consider seeking emergent medical care. This is particularly true in those with pregnant risk factors for eye disease including smoking, high claret pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of heart affliction or stroke.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is an OTC liquid medication recommended by many for the treatment of indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. The bismuth often will cause blackness stools (usually this is not a concern). The compound has anti-secretory, antibacterial, and anti-acid properties, just should not exist used in infants, young children, or women who are breastfeeding to avoid the risk of causing Reye syndrome. Bicarbonate tablets (for example, Alka-Seltzer, Bromo-Seltzer) are recommended to relieve heartburn and indigestion because they reduce stomach acidity.
Simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme) is an OTC medication used to reduce/salvage gas and the feeling of stomach bloating.
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) may exist taken to control nausea and vomiting. It is also recommended for motility sickness and dizziness. Information technology should not be used with sedatives equally it may increase drowsiness.
Emetrol is an OTC medication that relieves nausea and vomiting. It is a mixture of carbohydrate-rich sugars that is also relatively safe for children and significant women (with a doctor's approving). People with diabetes should not use this medication because of the high sugar content. Continued nausea and vomiting may result in dehydration, and these symptoms may point a more serious disease. If the symptoms persist, it is reasonable to contact you lot health care practitioner.
A variety of OTC medications are at present bachelor to help treat indigestion. They include H2 blockers (a blazon of antihistamine that helps control acid secretion in the stomach) such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease acrid production through a unlike pathway and include medications such equally omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Calcium carbonate (for example, Caltrate 600, Os-Cal 500, Rolaids, Tums), aluminum hydroxide (for example, ALternaGEL, Dialume), and magnesium hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesia) are antacids that work immediately to relieve acid indigestion and heartburn. They are available in both chewable tablets and liquid forms. Aluminum based antacids may crusade constipation, and the magnesium based products may crusade diarrhea. Maalox is a combination of the ii types of antacids.

What Are OTC Medications for Constipation?

People normally have bowel movements one time a solar day, more than than once a day, or only every few days. And so constipation for ane person may not be a concern to another person. Constipation can be divers every bit difficult feces that make information technology difficult to have a bowel motility. Abdominal pain and cramping may be associated symptoms.

Acceptable hydration and increased roughage in the diet (leafy vegetables, fiber, whole grains, bran) are the mainstays of preventing constipation and are the beginning line treatment should constipation occur.

OTC medications to relieve constipation include glycerin suppositories equally well as medications that help majority-upward and lubricate the stool. Bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), calcium docusate (Colace, Surfak), and Senna (Ex-lax, Senokot) are the virtually commonly bachelor medicine. Laxative dependence is a problem that may occur with laxative employ; use of these drugs continually over one week indicates the individual should seek medical advice.

Constipation may be a symptom of a more than serious medical condition, specially if it is associated with chronic abdominal pain, bloating, fever, or bleeding from the rectum, and it is appropriate to seek medical care when these symptoms are present.

What Are OTC Medications for Diarrhea?

Attapulgite (Kaopectate, Donnagel, Diatrol, and others) is an OTC medication that helps command diarrhea. Attapulgite should not be used for more than than 2 days unless directed past your health intendance practitioner.
Loperamide (Imodium A-D) is often recommended as an OTC medication for the treatment of diarrhea. Withal, if constipation, ileus (constipation, intestinal amplification, nausea, and vomiting), fever, or bloating occur, the medication should exist stopped.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a good first-line handling for abdominal bug and is constructive for mild diarrhea. It also helps relieve nausea and indigestion. Recall that the bismuth will turn the stool a blackness colour, and should non exist used in infants or children because of the possible development of Reye syndrome.

What Are OTC Medications for Sleep?

Diphenhydramine (for case, Benadryl, Sominex, Compoz) is a sedating antihistamine. It is primarily recommended for the handling of allergic reactions or stuffiness due to a cold. Drowsiness is one of the side effects of diphenhydramine and therefore it is used every bit a sleep aid; individuals should exist ready to attempt sleep before taking whatever slumber aid and should not endeavor to bulldoze or do whatever activity that would compromise their safe if they become sleepy. Melatonin may be effective in some individuals for treating insomnia. Studies regarding its benefits accept been inconclusive; yet, melatonin has few side effects.

What Are OTC Medications for Allergies and Itch?

Allergic reactions limited to the peel including itching and hives (urticaria) usually are not life-threatening. However, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing may exist signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock and emergency medical services should be activated (call 911 if bachelor) if these symptoms develop.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that treats allergic reactions and crawling. It is effective but a significant side outcome in drowsiness. Individuals taking diphenhydramine should non drive a machine, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol. Nonsedating antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra).
Cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom) is a nasal spray used to treat nasal allergies.

References

Medically reviewed past Joseph T. Palermo, Exercise; Board Certification Internal Medicine/Geriatric Medicine

REFERENCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Use of Codeine-and Dextromethorphan-Containing Cough Remedies in Children.

Centers for Disease Control. Cold and cough Medicines: Data for Parents.
<http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PediatricColdMeds/>

healthychildren.org. Caring for a Child with a Viral Infection.

MedicineNet.com. Medications Center.
<https://world wide web.medicinenet.com/medications/focus.htm>

Smith SM, Schroeder Grand, Fahey T. Over-the-counter medications for astute cough in children and adults in convalescent settings (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Event 1.

U.S. Nutrient and Drug Administration. "Regulation of Nonprescription Products.
<http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/cder/ucm093452.htm>

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