12 Medicine Cabinet Essentials (Home Pharmacy): There are many available over-the-counter (OTC) medications and remedies for the common cold, aches, pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, allergies, cough, sinus congestion, constipation, insomnia, and more.

Read the Home Pharmacy Main Article

Must Read Articles:

Abdominal Pain in Adults

Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, heart attack, kidney stones, diverticulitis, shingles, spider bites, and more. Information about when to seek medical care for abdominal pain is also provided.
Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction is an overreaction to a harmless substance. Symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rashes, swelling, itching, wheezing, nausea, and even anaphylactic shock in severe reactions. Treatment involves avoiding triggers, taking oral antihistamines, applying anti-inflammatory steroid creams, and using an EpiPen.
Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications

There are many types of medications available to combat the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. The types of medications include antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec), decongestants (Sudafed), anticholinergic nasal sprays (Atrovent), corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasonex), antiallergy eyedrops (Patanol), leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair), and mast cell inhibitors (Nasalcrom).
Allergy: Insect Sting

Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include: honeybees, bumble bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Allergic reaction to these insects' venom can com in many forms; from redness, itching, and pain to anaphylactic shock and even death in those severely affected. Treatment includes caring for the symptoms as well as administering epinephrine and/or antihistamines.
Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Arthritis causes include injury, abnormal metabolism (such as gout), inheritance (such as in osteoarthritis), infections (such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease), and an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and systemic lupus erythematosus). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited joint function. Treatment may include pain medications, pain-relieving creams, and dietary supplements.
Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose. These sores come back again and again. Symptoms associated with cold sore recurrence include fever, colds, the flu, stress, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, immune system changes, hormonal changes like menstruation, and skin trauma.
Colds

The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking cough, fever, and pain medications.
Constipation in Children

Constipation in infants and children affects up to 10% of children at any given time. Causes of constipation in infants and children include a wilfulness to avoid the toilet, prior painful or frightening experiences that make them avoid the bathroom, a concern for lack of privacy in public restrooms, changes in diet, dehydration, and several medical disorders. Symptoms of constipation in infants and children include vague abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and bedwetting. Home remedies and self-care at home is possible with mild constipation, however, it may be necessary for the affected infant or child to see a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.
Coughs

A cough is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. A chronic or persistent cough may signal certain lung conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Common causes of coughs include infection, allergies, lung disease, medications, and GERD (reflux). Acute coughs are categorized as infectious or non-infectious. Chronic cough (persistent cough) have a variety of causes and should be evaluated by physician. Treatment of cough, acute cough, chronic or persistent cough depends on the cause of the cough.
Cuts or Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations are both terms that apply to a tear in the skin, though a laceration implies a more jagged tear. These terms do not include abrasions where the skin is scraped away, or avulsions where the skin is torn from the flesh. Cuts and lacerations must be disinfected and sutured in more serious cases. Basic first aid may be all that is necessary for more minor wounds. Infection is the biggest medical concern when it comes to cuts or lacerations. Signs of infection include severe pain, draining pus, redness beyond the wound edges, fever and chills, and excessive wound swelling.
Dehydration in Adults

Dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids (mostly water), exceeds the amount that is taken in. Causes of dehydration include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, diseases (diabetes), impaired ability to drink, lack of access to safe drinking water, and injuries to the skin. Common symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry skin, headache, low urine output, tiredness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and increased thirst. Treatment of dehydration depends upon the severity of the condition.
Dehydration in Children

Dehydration in children can result from not drinking enough liquids, vomiting, diarrhea, or combination of these conditions. Causes of dehydration in children include viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, diabetes, and increased sweating, and others. Symptoms include sunken eyes, decrease in urination, no tears when crying, dry mouth, lethargy, and irritability. Treatment at home includes proper fluid replacement. Some cases of dehydration are so severe they may require hospitalization.
Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration.
Earache

Earache is pain in the ear. An earache can be caused by infections or fungus. There are types of ear infections to include otitis externa, otitis externa (swimmer's ear), otitis media, and myringitis. Symptoms of an earache include pain in the ear, fever, fluid seeping from the ear, and headache. Treatment of earache depends on the cause.
Fever in Adults

A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin.
Fever in Children

Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38 C. Fever isn't life-threatening unless it is persistently high - greater than a 107 F rectal temperature. Fever is usually caused by an infection. Treatment focuses on controlling the temperature, preventing dehydration, and monitoring for serious illness.
Understanding Heartburn/GERD Medications

GERD and heartburn medications include: antacids, histamine-2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), coating drugs, and promotility drugs. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Indigestion

Indigestion (dyspepsia, non-acid dyspepsia) is a description for a feeling of fullness and/or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Symptoms of indigestion can include heartburn, belching, bloating, and nausea. Causes of indigestion can be disease, conditions, medication, and lifestyle factors. Treatment of indigestion depends on the cause.
Insect Bites

Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include: pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery.
Understanding Insomnia Medications

Insomnia is a common problem for many people. Insomnia can be primary or secondary. Secondary causes of insomnia include medications, diseases, environmental factors, and pregnancy. Non-drug, home remedies, and OTC and prescription drugs that treat insomnia include: Sleeping pills Melatonin Sleep hygiene education Biofeedback Relaxation therapy Common side effects of sleeping pills include: Impaired coordination, balance, or mental alertness Depression Suicidal thoughts
Migraine and Cluster Headache Medications

Migraines and cluster headaches are severe recurrent headaches. Medications to treat them fall under a number of different categories. These include triptans and ergot alkaloids for abortive therapy. For preventative therapy, a number of different drug classes are available, including beta blockers, predisone, antidepressants, lithium, antiseizure medications and others.
Motion Sickness

Motion sickness (car sickness, sea sickness, air sickness) is caused when the movement that you see is different from what the inner ear senses. Nausea and vomiting are the most common symptoms of motion sickness. Other symptoms are increased salivation, feeling discomfort and unwell, and sweating. Motion sickness usually is treated with home remedies like peppermint or caffeine, and OTC or prescription drugs. Motion sickness usually goes away after the motion has stopped.
Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines.
Sore Throat

Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected, such as: the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, infection, viral, or fungal.
Sprains and Strains

An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or tendon is called a strain. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, bruising, and decreased range of motion. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injury is the standard treatment for sprains and strains.
Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites.
Toothache

Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve root of a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of toothache. One should call the doctor or dentist when experiencing toothache to receive appropriate treatment.
Traveler's Diarrhea

Causes of traveler's diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Traveler's diarrhea is contagious, with symptoms including loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and bloody stools. Treatment for traveler's diarrhea is generally with OTC medication.
Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when normal fungi in the vagina experience an overgrowth. Yeast infections can be caused by use of antibiotics, hormonal changes, diabetes, use of douches, and a compromised immune system, among other causes. Treatments are typically simple and can include oral and vaginal medications.
Vomiting and Nausea

Vomiting and nausea are common complaints that accompany many conditions and diseases. A few common causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Treatment of vomiting and nausea depend on the cause of the symptoms.

Featured:

Cold Sores Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose. These sores come back again and again. Symptoms associated with cold sore recurrence include

fever,
colds,
the flu,
stress,
ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure,
immune system changes,
hormonal changes like menstruation, and
skin trauma.

12 Medicine Cabinet Essentials (Home Pharmacy) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Cetirizine And Pseudoephedrine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, an...learn more »

Fexofenadine And Pseudoephedrine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wa...learn more »

Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children...learn more »

Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. Lansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach...learn more »

Cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wate...learn more »

Simethicone

Simethicone allows gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines to come together more easily, which allows for easier passage of gas...learn more »

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or upset stomach...learn more »

Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium hydroxide reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines which may induce bowel movements....learn more »

Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose)...learn more »

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies...learn more »

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance....learn more »

Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach...learn more »

Aspirin (oral)

Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation...learn more »

Cimetidine

Cimetidine is a stomach acid reducer that is used to treat and prevent certain types of stomach ulcer. Cimetidine is also used to treat gastroesophageal ref...learn more »

Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »

Ranitidine

Ranitidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces...learn more »

Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)...learn more »

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

12 Medicine Cabinet Essentials (Home Pharmacy OTC Drugs) Topic Guide

Must Read Articles:

Abdominal Pain in Adults

Allergic Reaction

Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications

Allergy: Insect Sting

Arthritis

Cold Sores

Colds

Constipation in Children

Coughs

Cuts or Lacerations

Dehydration in Adults

Dehydration in Children

Diarrhea

Earache

Fever in Adults

Fever in Children

Understanding Heartburn/GERD Medications

Indigestion

Insect Bites

Understanding Insomnia Medications

Migraine and Cluster Headache Medications

Motion Sickness

Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Sore Throat

Sprains and Strains

Abdominal Pain in Children

Toothache

Traveler's Diarrhea

Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications

Vomiting and Nausea

Featured:

12 Medicine Cabinet Essentials (Home Pharmacy) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

12 Medicine Cabinet Essentials (Home Pharmacy) Topic Guide – Related Topics

Related Topics: